TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Trade
The Seattle Sounders have picked up an experienced piece for their backline, announcing on Thursday the acquisition of Waylon Francis in a trade with Columbus Crew SC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money.
Francis, 27, spent four seasons in Columbus, playing 83 MLS regular season games and seven MLS Cup Playoffs appearances for Crew SC, notching 18 assists from his left back position. Francis is also a Costa Rican international, with five caps to date for the Ticos.
"We are pleased to bring a player of Waylon's quality and experience to Seattle," said Sounders general manager & president of soccer Garth Lagerwey in a team statement. "Waylon bolsters our already talented group of outside backs, and his effectiveness in MLS over the past four seasons is well-known. Adding an All-Star level player to our current roster with this type of experience is invaluable, especially with Waylon's familiarity with CONCACAF play in advance of our Champions League campaign in February."
Francis effectively offers a replacement on the Sounders' squad for Joevin Jones, who signed a contract to join German side Darmstadt on a free transfer in January. That said, Jones played higher up the field in the second half of the season for the Sounders, with youngster Nouhou emerging as a starting option at left back during that stretch.
