The precise details won’t be known until all the paperwork and
documentation is done, but Colombian attacker Fredy Montero has signed
an MLS contract to play for Seattle Sounders FC.
Montero, 21, has been negotiating a move for the past few months and
according to a team source, has been acquired on loan, presumably from
Deporivo Cali, which had previously loaned him out to a Colombian
lower-division club, Atlético Huila.
He joined the Sounders
for the start of preseason training Wednesday and will be eligible to
play competitive matches upon receipt of his international transfer
certificate and P-1 work visa. He and his agent conducted discussions
with other clubs, including Real Betis of Spain, amid unconfirmed
reports at least a portion of his rights are controlled by outside
parties, which contravenes FIFA statutes.
He debuted for
Colombia against Panama in 2007 and on Oct. 11 played 55 minutes as a
starter for Colombia in a 1-0 home loss to Paraguay in CONMEBOL World
Cup qualifying. Colombia is seventh among the 10 South American nations
with a 2-3-5 (W-L-T) record (11 points).