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UPDATE (Aug. 1, 11 a.m.): Paolo Hurtado and his agent are in Seattle with the aim of finalizing contract details a source has told Sounder at Heart’s Niko Moreno.
Paolo Hurtado’s signing could be made official as early as this week. Various outlets in Portugal are reporting the move as effectively finalized, and while that seems to be a bit premature, Sounder at Heart has confirmed that the Peruvian midfielder is expected to be in Seattle this week. There’s always the possibility of something changing at the last second, but this seems to be headed toward a positive resolution for the Seattle Sounders.
Assuming the Sounders are able to get this finalized this week, the earliest Hurtado would likely be available for selection is the Aug. 12 match against FC Dallas. The earliest he could be expected to start is the Aug. 18 match against the LA Galaxy.
The Sounders are also believed to be pursuing a second additional player before the transfer window closes on Aug. 8. It is not clear whether they intend to sign a domestic player or if they have a plan to make room for an additional international.