The secondary transfer window doesn’t open until July 10, but Seattle Sounders President of Soccer and General Manager Garth Lagerwey doesn’t think that fans will need to wait until then to learn about their new player, or players. On Tuesday’s Sounders Weekly (Sportsradio KJR at 7 PM) Lagerwey was asked about the search for the next Designated Player. It seems like the search is nearly over.
Lagerwey’s segment is about 25 minutes into the episode, but the key comments were shared by host Jackson Felts.
Full quote of @SoundersFC General Manager Garth Lagerwey with me tonight on Sounders Weekly discussing the MLS summer transfer window opening on July 10th and having an addition on the horizon... pic.twitter.com/ESR4UtOUke
— Jackson Felts (@JacksonKJR) June 27, 2018
The GM wasn’t willing to share who the targets are, but the Sounders are strongly connected to Raul Ruidiaz, the striker for Peru and most recently of Monarcas Morelia in Liga MX. Peru played their final World Cup match on Tuesday, but Ruidiaz did not appear and he only played 13 minutes in their three matches.
Earlier Tuesday the Sounders were attached to Yannis Salibur of Guingamp in Ligue 1 in France.
In Lagerwey’s time with the Sounders he added DPs both early in the window (Nicolas Lodeiro) and late (Nelson Valdez). His max salary and acquisitions requiring targeted allocation money are also evenly spread through the Summer window. Kelvin Leerdam was early, Victor Rodriguez in the middle and Roman Torres at the close of the 2015 window.
Lagerwey’s other secondary transfer window additions are Friberg (early), Ivanschitz (middle), Fernandez (early), Neagle (late), and Mallace (late).
Without other moves the Sounders are believed to only be in line for a DP and a TAM level acquisition. They may also open up a reserve roster spot by moving Jordan Morris to the DL.