What seemed impossible not all that long ago became a reality earlier this morning when the Portland Timbers officially announced that Lucas Melano has returned to the Rose City ending his loan to Estudiantes of Argentina’s Superliga. This followed a seperate loan deal where Melano spent a year on loan to Atletico Belgrano (also in Argentina) in 2017.
The Timbers and Melano have been mum on the circumstances that led to the Argentinian taking consecutive loan spells. It was rumored, but never confirmed, that Melano clashed with former Timbers coach Caleb Porter. With Porter having left the Timbers by mutual consent, the only remaining hurdle would appear to be Melano’s willingness to return to Portland.