Welcome to Rose City Finn Surman

Finn Surman was officially introduced as a Portland Timber, the man from New Zealand who will become the Portland Timbers’ new summer signing and will make his debut after the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

He will play for the All Whites’ 18-player squad representing New Zealand, as the man comes with a good referential by including a great skillset and attributes to became an instant success in Major League Soccer.

“We are delighted with the acquisition of Finn Surman. Finn has shown great promise early in his career, and our club is excited to continue supporting his development to take necessary strides forward as a player,” said Timbers General Manager Ned Grabavoy. “We believe he has the skillset and attributes to succeed in MLS, and we look forward to welcoming him to his new home here with the Portland Timbers.”

Surman, 20, joins the Portland Timbers after spending three seasons (2021-2024) with Wellington Phoenix of the Men’s A-League, the top-flight competition in Australia and New Zealand. The center-back recorded one goal in 51 career appearances, logging 4,066 minutes played. Surman started all 27 matches in the 2023-24 season.

“We are really excited with the signing of Finn. He’s a great, young defender to add to our stable of defenders,” said Timbers Head Coach Phil Neville. “We have tracked him for a long time and seen his growth throughout. He is now competing in the Olympics, and I think he will come back and bring another quality to the team that we’ve been looking for.”

Internationally, Surman has tallied one goal in five appearances for the New Zealand Men’s National Team. Surman, who made his senior debut on Nov. 17, 2023, most recently helped the All Whites win the OFC Nations Cup 2024, logging four appearances (four starts) and a goal in the semi-final against Tahiti on June 27, 2024.

The defender was named to the All-Whites Olympic team on July 10. He also played large roles for New Zealand’s U-19, U-20, and U-23 youth national teams. Surman helped New Zealand qualify for and advance to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2023, starting in all four matches for the junior side while wearing the captain’s armband for the duration of the tournament.

Source: Portland Timbers Communications