about 2 months ago· edited about 2 months ago· History
He's again like 2025, consistently one of the better CBs in the MLS. Only 22 and captaining the Timbers on occasions.
He's gonna be busy at the WC, and likely need to showcase his trademark big lunging blocks. Timbers fans seem resigned to the fact he'll be leaving the Rose City in 2026.
It wouldn't be a shock if he went straight into the EPL now from Portland. Maybe one of the promoted clubs. But hey if he stars at the WC, clubs in any of the big 5 Euro clubs will have a look. Old has shown you don't neccessarily have to go to the UK.
On good money already, and still plenty of years ahead of him, either stateside or more likely further afield in Europe.
Tell ya what, $300k is a steal for Portland when Boxall is on $900k and Tuiloma was around $500k.
Edit to add, Tyler Boyds on $1.4m! I know forwards and (ex) US internationals get overpaid but holy shit how's he worth 50% more than Boxall or 5x Surman.
His contract expires at the end of the year, so unless he signs an extension before the summer window for European clubs they'll probably be able to get him for a lower fee than hoped. And if he does sign an extension does that mean our sell on clause is voided? We will still get training compensation but would imagine thats less % than the sell on clause?
Interviewer: Finn, there was one play in the second half where Messi's charging at you. You shadow him towards the corner, he shoots the ball, you block it. just how did you feel in that moment even though the team was down two-nil?
Finn Surman: I don't know. Just like, normal. I was annoyed that we were losing at the time, I think, and I mean it's good to somewhat keep us in the game, I guess. If he scores then it probably ends the game but, you know. It’s a nice thing. It's always nice to block a shot. But nothing really out of the ordinary.
Most Blocks in MLS in 2026:
Finn Surman (Portland) – 29
Kyle Rowles (DC United) – 16
Micael (Inter Miami) - 15
This after he led the MLS in Defensive Clearances last year (he’s fourth in that count this time). The only two reasons he’s not really in the MLS All Star voting conversation at the moment is because his team sucks (14 points from 13 games, haven’t won consecutive games this year) and also because his reputation hasn’t quite gone beyond his his own fanbase yet. Remember it took Michael Boxall until last year to finally crack one of those things. There are 30 teams in MLS and everyone’s got at least two starting centre-backs so getting to the very top there requires more than just elite performances, if we’re being honest about it.
Got some praise in highlights yesterday's game for not being afraid to allow a speedy San Jose attacker the outside. Surman having the supreme confidence to crowd out then disposess the SJ player near the sideline, comfortably get the ball then recycle it to a team mate.
AucklandPhoenix wrote: Team not doing well this season, gaffer leaving, World Cup where he can shine.
Has been there two years now, so seems the perfect time to make the next move in his career to hopefully at the bare minimum a championship club.
He's also only got six months left on his Portland contract, so if they want to cash in on him it has to be now. Hopefully for the sake of the nixes sell on % they do!
"What you see with Finn Surman is that he's consistent with everything in his life. His routine doesn't change. He just wants to be a professional footballer. He sets a great example in the locker room. That's why he's the captain." -Phil Neville #RCTID — Jeremy Peterman𓅪 (@SportsGuyJeremy) May 21, 2026
AucklandPhoenix wrote: Team not doing well this season, gaffer leaving, World Cup where he can shine.
Has been there two years now, so seems the perfect time to make the next move in his career to hopefully at the bare minimum a championship club.
He's also only got six months left on his Portland contract, so if they want to cash in on him it has to be now. Hopefully for the sake of the nixes sell on % they do!
Jumping back to say I was wrong on this, Transfermarkt had his contract exporting 31 Dec 2026, but there is a one year option that the club can take up, so he has 18 months left.
Blocked shots an important part here of the Sunderland model, as they somehow not only get to the PL, and stay there but climb into the European places! So Finn might have suitors if they’re keen on emulating this under dog model.
That last sentence at the bottom of this tweet definitely makes it seem like Portland are (for the meantime) fending off offers for Surman's signature.
“He’s super important to us and clubs around the world are recognizing that."
It's believed that one of the largest teams in France are among the potential suitors, while Premier League teams are also monitoring the Christchurch product.
Played every game with Woots, who was the Vice Captain, during his final season at the Nix. So unless he Captained the Australia Cup game that season, I don't think he was.
coochiee wrote: It's believed that one of the largest teams in France are among the potential suitors, while Premier League teams are also monitoring the Christchurch product.
If Herrington is good enough for Barca, surely Surman is good enough for the EPL. Excited to see where he ends up.
