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The Colorado Rapids sold Shane O'Neill in August of this year to a club in Cyprus, Apollon Limassol, and he was loaned almost immediately to Belgian side Royal Mouscron-Peruewlz. In his almost four months with the Belgian club, he didn't record a single minute.
Royal Mouscron appears to have terminated the loan according to multiple reports coming out of Belgium. O'Neill as of today will be heading back to the Mediterranean nation and the other club where he never suited up. While it appears Apollon may have wanted him before, loaning O'Neill out only two weeks after signing him is the sign of a club less than than sure about their acquisition.
One report out of Belgium has the Sounders being interested in signing the young American centerback. A rough translation from Dutch to English is that the "defender can count on interest from Seattle Sounders FC." That isn't enough to suggest that Garth has anyone talking to the former Rapid to bring him back to the States, but it would make some sense.
O'Neill signed with Colorado back in 2012 as a Home Grown player and started a combined 46 games in 2013 and 2014. In 2015 he dropped back to being an unused sub for most of the season before transferring out.
Seattle could make a strong signing in O'Neill. He's 6'2", strong in the air and alright with the ball at his feet. Tactically he's still a bit inexperienced and can get caught up in a play, but with the right partner, coaching, and situation he'd be a beast. He's still only 22 and will not turn 23 until next September. He also has versatility, being able to suit up at RB as well (somewhat of a Brad Evans with less attacking prowess and weaker passing). He's a player with the potential to one day grow into a defensive stalwart.
While it's not clear what he'd need in a contract to come back, it likely would include a transfer fee that even Cambridge United could afford in FIFA 16 and a salary around $100,000-150,000 (if that) as he was making league minimums before leaving the Rocky Mountain side. He fits the Sounders' needs as an extra CB who can move around the backline if needed, and fits the plan of getting younger.
There's almost no meat to the Shane O'Neill rumor right now, but the idea sure makes sense for the club. It would be a good price and a good player to build with. A Roman Torres-Shane O'Neill backline could play for years to come.