Once a highly rated product out of Atletico Nacional, 26-year-old winger Victor Ibarbo is looking to rejuvenate his career. MLS Italia via Eurosport says he would like to move to the Seattle Sounders.
This is a player and/or agent side rumor, and is partially based on the success that Colombians have had in Rave Green - most notably Fredy Montero and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado. The mention of an open Designated Player spot opened up by the presumed loss of Nelson Haedo Valdez indicates the contract scale being targeted. Panathinaikos agreed to pay Cagliari a €1 million loan fee, but due to their lack of payment his contract can be canceled.
Ibarbo’s best years came with Cagliari from 2012-2014, with his best season coming in 2012-13 when he scored six Serie A goals. He’s played for Atletico Nacional, Cagliari, Roma, Watford and Panathinaikos. Ibarbo also has 15 appearances with the Colombian National Team from 2010 through March of this year when he was on the bench for a World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador.
Recently he’s been mostly a winger in 4-2-3-1 type formations, but also has time at forward and dips into central midfield when necessary. With Atletico Nacional he provided more assists than goals, but has become an equal part scorer-provider. He also has 665 minutes in Europa League and qualifiers, all in the current season.
His highlight video indicates he’s got good speed and solid dribbling skills, although not the kind of finishing or final ball you’d imagine the Sounders are looking for.