By Patrick Akoto
American Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers have announced the signing of talented Ghana winger Ishmael Yartey on a loan deal.
The club confirmed on Thursday that the 25-year-old will join the side with a transfer option from French Lique 1 outfit Sochaux.
The Ghanaian international recently completed a loan deal to Swiss Super League side, FC Sion and the club who owns his rights, Sochaux  have allowed the pacy winger to leave on another loan stint away from the club.
Portland Timbers coach Caleb Porter has made no secret about the fact that the team is looking to add attacking players to their roster and Yartey is a speedy winger who would immediately provide much needed depth.
The versatility of the Ghanaian is what makes him such a weapon as he can play on both the right and left flank, as well as a striker.
While Yartey has yet to represent Ghana at the senior level, he did play for his country at the U-17 stage where he excelled.
Along with Sochaux, Yatey also spent four years at Benfica.
During his time with the Portuguese giants, he was loaned out to other Portuguese clubs, Beira Mar and Fatima, as well as Servette in Switzerland.
He made a total of 72 appearances scoring 11 goals during his loan spells away from Benfica.
He joins compatriots Adam Kwarasey who signed for the club after spending seven years at Norwegian champions Strømsgodset.