Recently back in town, would a return from Andy Rose be what the Seattle Sounders attack needs during the summer transfer window?
Andy Rose has already traveled the world over, but will his journey eventually end up in Seattle once again? The former Seattle Sounder was back in town recently during the summer break for European leagues. While the conditions don’t appear ideal this summer, the reunion does appear to be on both parties minds down the road.
A Traveled Career
Born in Australia, Rose started his youth career in the Bristol City academy, eventually featuring for their U18 squad. He then moved to the U.S. where he played four years at UCLA, a hotbed for eventual MLS pros. Like most elite college players in the States, Rose logged additional minutes with lower division sides the Seattle Wolves and Ventura County Fusion.
Initially drafted by Real Salt Lake, Andy was traded to the Sounders and would go on to make 91 appearances for Seattle over four seasons. He was often competing for time with players such as Osvaldo Alonso, Clint Dempsey, Alvaro Fernandez, Mauro Rosales, and a bevy of other MLS vets who had a year or two stints in Seattle.
Back to Europe
Andy joined League One side Coventry City in late 2015 on a free transfer. Five goals from 33 matches, didn’t see his contract picked up after a tough head collision on the pitch and a slide by the team towards the end of the campaign. That brought Motherwell into the picture. Earlier this month the Scottish Premier League team signed Rose, who will be hoping he can help them push for Europa League qualification next season.
"Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson on the signing of Andy, I’m delighted that we’ve managed to secure the signature of Andy Rose, he’s yet another fantastic coup for the club and one of my primary targets,” the Motherwell manager said. Andy not only brings a physical presence to the middle of the park but he brings energy and drive and I’m very encouraged by the squad we’re building here this summer.”"
A Future in Seattle?
Rose’s appearance around the Sounders camp brought speculation. As did GM Garth Lagerwey’s comments to the press last week. He stated that both sides would be interested in a return at some point. It’s worth noting that in 2013 Andy received his green card, and would thus not take up an international spot on the team were he to rejoin them.
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Seattle has depth in the midfield at the moment with several promising young talents who could get promoted in the next 12 months. However, Flaco is on his way out and there is the desire to sign a top level winger to help the attack.
Rose’s contract with Motherwell is only for a year, so next summer offers the right window to see if he should make a return. The Sounders tried a return with Alvaro Fernadez this past year, to lackluster results. In the next 12 months, a reunion centers around Rose’s form in Scotland, do any Sounders 2 prospects make a leap to the first team, and what DP/TAM level player(s) are signed.