New Zealand international with 112 MLS appearances joins CLTFC
Charlotte, N.C. (Thursday, February 16, 2023) – Charlotte FC today announced the Club has acquired defender Bill Tuiloma from the Portland Timbers in exchange for $800,000 General Allocation Money (GAM).
The trade includes $500,000 GAM in 2023 and $300,000 GAM in 2024.
Additionally, the deal includes another $100,000 GAM in conditional GAM in 2025 if certain performance metrics are achieved.
Portland retains 15% on a future sale outside of MLS.
Tuiloma joined Portland in 2017 from Marseille, where he became the first New Zealander to play in Ligue 1. He went on to make 112 total MLS appearances (107 regular season/5 playoffs) with the Timbers. In 2022, the New Zealander had a career year offensively with six goals and three assists in 30 appearances.
“We are excited to welcome Bill to Charlotte FC as we keep adding strong pieces to a competitive roster for 2023 and beyond,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “He is a defender who adds valuable experience to the team with over 100 appearances across five full seasons in MLS, as well as significant time with the New Zealand national team. Bill is a player that is used to winning in Major League Soccer and has been an important member on a perennial playoff contender. We look forward to adding his leadership in the locker room to continue building a winning culture here in the Carolinas.”
The center back also has extensive experience for the New Zealand national team, where he has 36 senior caps with four goals. Additionally, he captained the U-20 side at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup and helped the All Whites qualify for the Round of 16.
Transaction: Charlotte FC acquires defender Bill Tuiloma from the Portland Timbers in exchange for $500,000 GAM in 2023 and $300,000 GAM in 2024 + an additional $100,000 GAM in conditional GAM in 2025 if certain performance metrics are achieved.
Name: Bill Tuiloma
Position: Defender
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 174 lbs
Date of Birth: March 27, 1995
Age: 27
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Last Club: Portland Timbers
How Acquired: Trade from Portland Timbers
