The rumor mill has churned out another gem in the ongoing Freddie Ljungberg saga. The Seattle Examiner is reporting that Álvaro Fernández of Uruguay is on the verge of signing with the Sounders. The 24-year-old currently plays for Club Nacional de Football located in Montevideo, Uruguay where he has scored one goal in 11 appearances.
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When asked by a South American reporter what team he would play for, Fernández sounded like he was about to say “Seattle” or “the Sounders”, but instead he explained that the team was in Washington and that he didn’t know much else. (video is here: http://www.teledoce.com/noticia/10613_El-/)
Fernández has 21 caps with his national team, making an appearance in the 2010 World Cup against Chile as Uruguay went on to finish in fourth place, surprising many in the soccer world. The midfielder is listed by ESPN Soccernet as standing 6’1” and weighing a paltry 150 lbs.
This could reaffirm fears of Freddie Ljungberg’s departure from Seattle. It would make sense too, because both players prefer the midfield position. Fernández also fits with the recent trend in Seattle favoring younger players. The Sounders have already reached their maximum roster size, so in order to sign Fernández, the team must let somebody go.
Imagine, however, if the front office were able to work something out with Ljungberg. What if Seattle became the first team in the league to exercise their right to sign three Designated Players? Adding a third player with World Cup experience would be invaluable in Seattle’s hunt for a post-season birth.
The market in Seattle certainly exists to support such an investment as the Sounders have sold out nearly every home game they have played since entering the league in 2009.
The Sounders would not confirm the deal Wednesday afternoon and released this statement concerning the rumors:
"The club is continuing to look at all options to improve the squad during the transfer window. We are aware there are several reports circulating, but we have no comment at this time. If a move is made, then we will make an announcement."
Here are the links to the original reports:
http://www.urugol.com/todas-las-noticias/35-primera-division/10035-un-flaco-en-new-york
http://www.teledoce.com/noticia/10613_El-/
We will bring you more news about the Fernández signing as quickly as we hear it. Stay tuned.
Reach Galen Helmgren at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
