Sounders probably after a player like Sebastian Cristoforo, but not him exactly

An interesting rumor cropped up today linking the Seattle Sounders to Fiorentina’s Sebastian Cristoforo. Viola News reported that the 25-year-old could be looking to leave Fiorentina after going out on loan last year and facing the prospect of being loaned again. The Sounders were listed among his potential destinations along with several teams in Spain as well as Dinamo Moscow.

Unlike many rumors, this one at least has a hint of plausibility. Cristoforo would seemingly fit the mold of the type of player the Sounders are targeting; he’s primarily a defensive midfielder who can play farther up the field, 25 years old, has played in leagues outside of his native Uruguay and would probably cost about $2-$3 million on a transfer.

Yet, I remain highly skeptical that Cristoforo is a player the Sounders are targeting. That’s mainly because I seriously doubt the Sounders are looking to Europe for their next Designated Player signing.

Ever since Garth Lagerwey came to the Sounders, he’s expressed a preference to sign players from Latin America. That hasn’t led the Sounders to ignoring Europe by any means — they signed Magnus Wolf Eikrem and Brad Smith from UEFA leagues as recently as last year — but every transfer fee they’ve paid over the past six seasons has gone to teams in Mexico or South America.

Chris Henderson, the Sounders lead talent evaluator, also seems to be focusing his scouting trips on Asia and South America, largely avoiding the big European leagues.