Reggae Boy Powell set for MLS return

by

May 28, 2021

Photo

File Alvas Powell (left) with Portland Timbers teammate Fanendo Adi.

National defender Alvas Powell could be on his way back to the United States and with Major League Soccer (MLS).

According to a recent report from American reporter Kristian Dyer, the 26 year-old full back has emerged as a target for MLS franchise Philadelphia Union, a team that already has national goalkeeper and captain Andre Blake and striker Cory Burke within their ranks.

While no deal has been agreed to, it is reported that Powell is a player that Union sporting director Ernst Tanner is looking at to bring into the fold to boost the defensive options for the Union who are the reigning Supporters Shield Winners (regular s

New contract

Powell joined Sudanese club Al-Hilal in December after Inter Miami, the franchise owned by former Manchester United and Real Madrid star David Beckham, declined to offer him a new contract. Al-Hilal confirmed Powell's departure via social media on March 30, with Powell requesting his contract to be terminated because of his "inability to cope with the atmosphere in Sudan.

Should a deal be finalised, he would be returning to a league where he spent six years. He joined the Portland Timbers from Portmore United in 2014 and would win the MLS Cup title with the team a year later. He was traded to expansion club FC Cincinnati in December 2018 ahead of their inaugural season. He spent just one season with the team before joining Inter Miami via the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft.

Powell has made 49 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, his most recent being in November 2019 in their Concacaf Nations League game against Guyana. Powell will have the opportunity to earn his 50th cap as he along with Blake and Burke were named to the 30-man squad for the upcoming friendlies next month against Japan, Serbia and the Japanese Olympic team.