TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The Seattle Sounders have signed forward Fredy Montero, the club announced Thursday, marking a return of the club's record goalscorer.
Montero, 33, was an original member of the Sounders' expansion season in 2009, scoring the first goal in club history. In four seasons with Seattle, he had 47 goals and 34 assists in 119 regular-season appearances and his 60 goals in all competitions remain a Sounders record. He helped lead the club to three US Open Cup triumphs and was named MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2009.
“Fredy is a prolific forward who’s proven himself in MLS and abroad, in addition to still holding a number of club records here,” said Sounders general manager & president of soccer Garth Lagerwey in a club release. “When good players return to Seattle, it speaks to the strong culture that we’ve built. I’m looking forward to bringing him into the group and seeing what he can contribute to our attack.”
The Colombian forward departed for Sporting CP in the summer of 2013 after spending the first half of the year on loan in Colombia. During two stints with Sporting, he scored 30 goals. He also spent time in China and returned to MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2017 then 2019-20.
In three seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Montero had 27 goals and 14 assists in 81 appearances (59 starts). His contract expired after the 2020 season. He also made four appearances with the Colombian national team.
“I have a lot of fond memories of Fredy Montero in a Sounders jersey, and I’m pleased to welcome him back to the club,” said Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer. “He has always been a dynamic attacker with a strong finishing touch. I’m always happy to have players that can score goals and am looking forward to getting him on the training pitch as our 2021 preparations ramp up.”
Montero joins a forward group in Seattle that is led by Designated Player Raul Ruidiaz as well as Will Bruin and Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez. The club made MLS Cup in 2020, falling to Columbus Crew SC.
