🚨 BREAKING: Seattle's Obed Vargas completes Atlético de Madrid move | OneFootball

One of the brightest young sparks in MLS has made the jump to Europe, with Seattle Sounders starlet Obed Vargas completing a reported $9.4m (€8m) move to Spanish giant Atlético de Madrid.

One of the cadre of young players El Tri are looking to build around for the future, Vargas has been molded into one of the best young midfielders in MLS since emerging from his finishing period in the Sounders' academy set-up in 2021.

The 20-year-old Alaskan-born fulcrum, who was previously capped at youth level for both the United States and Mexico before choosing to represent El Tri in October of 2024.

"I couldn’t be happier for Obed. He’s earned this opportunity through his work ethic, competitiveness and willingness to keep getting better every day," said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer.

"We’ve seen him grow into a confident, impactful player who has excelled in every situation he’s faced.

"This is a great moment for Obed and his family, and I have no doubt that he is ready to take on this challenge with Atlético Madrid."

Since cracking into the senior side at Lumen Field, Vargas logged close to 100 appearances for the Sounders while chipping in with four goals and 12 assists (per mlssoccer.com).

Vargas joins former MLS star Thiago Almada in the Spanish capital, and could also line up alongside USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso under the watchful eye of iconic Colchoneros headmaster Diego Simeone.

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