Sounders place transfer bid on Argentinian playmaker

With Nicolas Lodeiro’s potential transfer suddenly looking less than assured, it appears the Seattle Sounders are remaining active on the market. The most recent name to surface in the Sounders’ search for a playmaking midfielder is Sebastian Blanco, according to Argentina’s Ole.

The Sounders have reportedly already put in a bid -- perhaps in the $2 million range — but his club is looking for a bit more.

Blanco is a playmaking midfielder currently with Argentina’s San Lorenzo. The 28-year-old had a brief spell with the Premier League’s West Bromwich Albion in 2014-15 before heading back to his native country on a €635,000 transfer at the the end of that season. He had previously spent parts of five seasons with Ukraine’s Metalist after getting his professional start with Argentina’s Lanús. He’s competed in Copa Libertadores and Europa League along the way.

Over 289 professional appearances, he has 39 goals and 39 assists.

Blanco has moved freely between both outside midfield positions and spent some time centrally as well. Based on highlights, he looks like a creative passer who’s not afraid to crash the penalty area.

It’s possible the Sounders see Blanco as a lower-cost alternative to Lodeiro, but may also be looking at him as a complementary piece.