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Seattle Sounders: Summer Transfer Window Update

By Nathan Reynolds

CHEONAN, SOUTH KOREA - OCTOBER 10: Derlis Gonzalez of Paraguay controls the ball during the international friendly match between South Korea and Paraguay at Cheonan Sports Complex on October 10, 2014 in Cheonan, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
CHEONAN, SOUTH KOREA - OCTOBER 10: Derlis Gonzalez of Paraguay controls the ball during the international friendly match between South Korea and Paraguay at Cheonan Sports Complex on October 10, 2014 in Cheonan, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) /
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With the MLS summer transfer window over halfway complete, a look at the confirmed deals and players linked with the Seattle Sounders.

Last season the Seattle Sounders used the summer transfer window to completely turn their fortunes and propel the club to its first MLS title. Sigi Schmid, their only MLS manager up to that point, was let go after a dreadful start to the season. Oddly enough, the Sounders will face Sigi this weekend as he begins his second stint in charge of the LA Galaxy.

But it was the signing of eventual 2016 MLS Newcomer of the Year, Nico Lodeiro, who transformed the Sounders. His play in the #10 spot in place of the injured Clint Dempsey brought life into the team and energized the attack.

Now after another slow start in 2017, the Sounder have begun to see a summer bump in form. One signing is in the book, exits are doubtful, and a few promising attacking options still await before the August 9th deadline.

ARNHEM, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 06: Kelvin Leerdam of Vitesse in action during the UEFA Europa League third qualifying Round 2nd Leg match between Vitesse Arnhem and Southampton FC held at GelreDome on August 6, 2015 in Arnhem, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
ARNHEM, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 06: Kelvin Leerdam of Vitesse in action during the UEFA Europa League third qualifying Round 2nd Leg match between Vitesse Arnhem and Southampton FC held at GelreDome on August 6, 2015 in Arnhem, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /

Done Deals

The Sounders one piece of confirmed action this window has been for right-back Kelvin Leerdam. Brought in from the Eredivisie on a free transfer, Leerdam has already paid dividends for Seattle. He has one goal and one assist in his 120 minutes of action thus far. Expect both he and Joevin Jones to create a dangerous duo along the flanks for the remainer of 2017.

GIJON, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 24: Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona duels for the ball with Victor Rodriguez of Real Sporting de Gijon during the La Liga match between Real Sporting de Gijon and FC Barcelona at Estadio El Molinon on September 24, 2016 in Gijon, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
GIJON, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 24: Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona duels for the ball with Victor Rodriguez of Real Sporting de Gijon during the La Liga match between Real Sporting de Gijon and FC Barcelona at Estadio El Molinon on September 24, 2016 in Gijon, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) /

Rumored Additions

Allan Miranda

At the start of the window Seattle had Mirando in training camp on a trial. The Costa Rican centerback was passed on, but the club may have been getting a closer look in case they needed cover for Roman Torres is short order. The 30-year-old  is currently with Antigua GFC on a free transfer, but could likely be acquired for around $100k. Odds: Long shot, as Seattle doesn’t want to spend another international slot here.

Derlis Gonzalez

The on-again, off-again rumored signing and forward from Paraguay. Currently signed to Dynamo Kyiv, the 23-year-old has Champions League experience and would likely be a DP caliber player, moving Alonso out of that designation. SaH reported earlier this week that his exit from Kyiv appears sealed. Odds: 75%. After lingering all window, Derlis’ style of play and age make for a smart move on the Sounders part. An announcement could come next week.

Victor Rodriguez

In a very surprising bit of news, Rodriguez reportedly ended his contract with La Liga side Sporting Gijon on Wednesday. The attacking mid, has over 100 appearances in La Liga with 10 goals and 16 assists. He can now be signed on a free move, and clearly has a destination lined up by voiding his contract in Spain. Odds: 50%. Rodriguez is moving, but if Seattle signs Derlis, they do not have any international spots left open. Get those green card applications moving!

Rumored Exits

Exiting the reigning MLS Champions hasn’t been a popular rumor mill so far this window, outside of letting Alvaro Fernandez go. The only suggestion thus far has been an exit for Roman Torres, but has proven unfounded and mostly quiet. Torres landed the MLS Cup winning penalty kick last December and should be expected to stay in Seattle for the remainder of the season.

Next: What would promotion/relegation look like in MLS?

With less than two weeks to go in this window, expect the champs to make at least one more move to help continue this recent push of form. With Leerdam already making an impact, an attacking right winger or striker could see the Sounders back in the chase for another MLS Cup.

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