Erik Friberg Transfered To Malmo FF Of Sweden

The young Swedish midfielder is on his way to Swedish club Malmo FF after a one year stay with the Seattle Sounders. Per league policy terms were not disclosed, but the word "transfer" reveals an interesting nugget. Adrian Hanauer did exercise that option and then orchestrated a move. This not only opens cap space, a roster slot and an international slot, but may involve more allocation.

Erik Friberg will now be telling the people of Malmo about the wonders of tacos. He will be concentrating on the future of his family, per the press release, and states "Perhaps in the future, there will be an opportunity for me to come back and play again for the Sounders." He even tweeted about how he will always be a Sounder.

The Sounders now have one starting natural center mid in Brad Evans with there being an increasing possibility that Alvaro Fernandez sees minutes centrally continues to increase. This is Seattle's first loss up the spine, but the amount of turnover is high, yet hasn't hit the core.

Press release follows;

Midfielder Erik Friberg Transferred to Sweden's Malmö

RENTON, WASH. - Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Erik Friberg has been transferred to Malmö FF of Sweden's top flight. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the transfer will not be disclosed.

"Erik is starting a young family, and he feels it would be best to do so close to home," said General Manager Adrian Hanauer. "This move enables the couple to be near their families and have the proper support."

Friberg is a native of Göteborg, Sweden and played his first five professional seasons for BK Häcken (2007-10) and Västra Frölunda IF (2005-06). Malmö, winner of a record 19 Swedish titles, finished fourth in the 2011 Allsvenskan and complete UEFA Europa League play on Thursday.

"I am very proud to have played for Sounders FC and our tremendous fans," said Friberg. "It's been a fantastic year for me, one that I will never forget. I want to thank my teammates, the coaches, the club officials and our supporters for all their help and encouragement. Perhaps in the future, there will be an opportunity for me to come back and play again for the Sounders."

Friberg, 25, signed with Seattle in December of 2010 and started 23 regular season matches and appeared in 26. He scored one goal and contributed two assists.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) - MF Erik Friberg transferred to Sweden's Malmö FF