Reports of Morelia striker Raul Ruidiaz’s move to the Seattle Sounders were confirmed this week. Here is what the Ruidaz will bring to the club.
Raul Ruidiaz is set to sign for the Seattle Sounders.
The report surfaced this week following a tweet sent out by his former club, which all but confirms the move at hand.
https://twitter.com/FuerzaMonarca/status/1007066127376121856
Ruidiaz is a very talented striker who has backed up his reported $7.5 million transfer fee this season with 16 goals in 32 appearances.
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The 27-year-old spent just under three years at Morelia after arriving in the summer of 2016. He went on to score 38 goals in 66 appearances, which is a testament to what he can produce offensively.
He has scored his share of stunners throughout his career, also, and will bring an eye for goal that many have never possessed in a Sounders uniform.
This news comes as Ruidiaz participates in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He has been a regular for Peru on the international stage and entered as a substitute against Denmark in the South American country’s first match of the tournament.
Goals have not come at a premium for the Sounders this season. In total, they have only scored a shocking 10 goals in Major League Soccer competitions, which is the worst in the league. The next closest club to them is the Colorado Rapids and Philadelphia Union, who have 16 goals apiece.
With a such a poor offensive stat, it is easy to see why the Sounders are willing to pay such a high transfer price to bring in Ruidiaz. The Sounders will not even come close to the postseason if they continue to lack in the goalscoring department and the Peruvian striker offers a solution that could be immediate depending on what form he brings to the club.
Ruidiaz may not be the savior of the season, but he certainly can only help. Depending on the length of the contract, Ruidiaz could set himself up for a massive season in 2019. It is very unlikely he will compete for the Golden Boot in 2018, but he has the potential to be a contender next year. Sounders supporters shouldn’t only be pleased to see an immediate offensive boost, but also see the value in building an offensive around Ruidiaz.
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This could turn out to be one of the best signings in Sounders history if all goes well for the striker. For now, we’ll continue to watch his World Cup performance and wish him the best as Peru look to shock their group and advance to the Round of 16.