Sounders linked to Paraguay international Derlis Gonzalez

There’s still about six weeks left before the spring transfer window closes and it looks like the Seattle Sounders may be trying to sign their first-ever Young Designated Player. Paraguay forward/winger Derlis Gonzalez told a Paraguay radio station (via ABC.com.py) that the Sounders have approached him. He also reportedly talked to Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron about a potential move to MLS. The Sounders actually held Almiron’s discovery rights before selling them to Atlanta.

Gonzalez started for Paraguay in their recent match against Brazil. That game was in Sao Paulo’s Corinthians stadium. Chris Henderson recently tweeted that he was in Sao Paulo.

Gonzalez already has 27 senior national team caps. He has also already been involved in a substantial transfer from FC Basel to Dinamo Kiev in Ukraine. With Kiev, Derlis has 2 goals and 4 assists in league play. Dinamo Kiev is in second in 2016/17 and won the title in 2015/16.

Aside from some obvious talent, Gonzalez would be doubly attractive due to his age, which would allow him to hit the cap at a reduced rate.

A Designated Player 23 years old or younger during the league year (age of player is determined by year - not date - of birth) will carry the following Young Designated Player Budget Charge:

Ages 20 and younger: $150,000

Ages 21-23: $200,000

If such Designated Player joins the club after the opening of the Secondary Transfer Window, he will carry the Mid-Season Youth Designated Player Salary Budget Charge of $150,000 regardless of age.

From MLSSoccer.com Roster Rules and Regulations

At 23, Gonzalez would only be a young DP for 2017 and would hit the salary cap as a full DP in future seasons. The Sounders would need still to buy down Osvaldo Alonso’s DP contract in order to sign Gonzalez.

Gonzalez previously played with FC Basel, Benfica, and Olimpia, Guaraní and Rubio Ñú in Paraguay.