Seattle Sounders: 6 takeaways from preseason Week 5

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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 29: Miguel Ibarra #10 of Minnesota United controls the ball during the first half of the game between Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

5. Miguel Ibarra on trial with the Sounders

Some news started to develop early last week with speculation that Miguel Ibarra was set to go on trial with the Seattle Sounders. This was confirmed by Sounder At Heart, with Mark Kastner reporting that Ibarra was joining the club in Mexico for the remainder of the preseason.

While the 29-year-old has not been offered a contract at the time of writing, he would make for both an interesting and key addition. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder and winger, he would provide invaluable depth to the roster, especially when key players are absent for Euro 2020 and Copa America duty in June and July.

Critics may well point to Ibarra having his contract option for 2020 declined by Minnesota United, as well as going unselected in the re-entry draft, but he scored seven goals and assisted a further eight in 2018, boasts international experience for the United States, and would only be at the club in a reserve role on a team-friendly contract. That is a smart move.

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