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Tottenham flop Vincent Janssen set for MLS move after new deal agreed
Priya Nambiar | July 28, 2026 11:44 AM CST

Former Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen is now all set to fulfil a long-standing career ambition with a move to Major League Soccer. The Dutch international has reached an agreement to leave Royal Antwerp, ending his successful stay in Belgium as he prepares to move across the Atlantic.

Portland Timbers land experienced Dutch forward

Janssen is heading to the United States to begin the next major phase of his well-travelled football career. As reported by Voetbal International, the experienced centre-forward has agreed personal terms with the Portland Timbers. The MLS side moved swiftly to put forward a clear and structured package that matched the player's long-term plans away from the pitch.

His choice to head to the Pacific Northwest comes despite Royal Antwerp making a strong push to retain their attacking focal point in Belgium. Even so, Janssen turned down the offer and decided to bring his productive four-season run in the Belgian Pro League to a close in favour of trying his luck in America.

A long-held North American dream finally comes true

For the 32-year-old striker, the move to MLS is not just a financial step, but the fulfilment of a deeply personal family goal. Janssen, whose wife is Mexican-American, has spoken openly for several seasons about his strong wish to move his family to the United States before the final stages of his playing career.

The family plan has always been centred on settling permanently in North America once he hangs up his boots. By making the switch to Portland, Janssen has managed to align his professional timeline with his family's home ambitions in perfect fashion.

Looking back on a productive spell in Belgium

Janssen's time at Tottenham was a difficult chapter, with the striker scoring only six goals in 42 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino before eventually moving on. His revival after leaving the Premier League, however, has been outstanding. The former AZ breakthrough talent now leaves Royal Antwerp with an elite domestic record, having fully rebuilt his reputation as a ruthless, central number nine.

Across his highly consistent four seasons with the Belgian club, Janssen produced an impressive record of 173 appearances, 64 goals and 27 assists in all competitions. His hold-up play and dependable finishing were crucial in driving Antwerp to domestic success, helping the club win the league title and Belgian Cup as part of a historic domestic Double, along with their first-ever appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

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Portland adds proven experience

Spanish manager Martí Cifuentes is counting on Janssen's vast experience across many competitions around the world. The Portland head coach also knows that his new signing is no stranger to North American football, having earlier spent three seasons with Mexican side Monterrey, where he scored 24 goals and made 5 assists in 92 appearances across all competitions.

That spell in Mexico also brought plenty of success in terms of trophies, with Janssen winning three major honours during his time at the club: a CONCACAF Champions League title, a Mexican Apertura championship, and a Mexican Cup triumph.


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