The Seattle Sounders are in talks with Atlético Madrid about the transfer of midfielder Obed Vargas, multiple sources briefed on the talks told The Athletic.
Vargas, 20, has a contract that expires at the end of the year. The Alaska native, who represents Mexico internationally, has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in MLS. Vargas has seen his role grow consistently since signing a homegrown deal in December 2021. He started 60 games over the past two seasons for the Sounders, scoring six goals with 12 assists.
The Anchorage-born player represented the U.S. in youth national soccer, playing in the under-20 World Cup in 2023, but elected to make a one-time switch to Mexico in 2024. He has since played twice for Mexico’s senior team, including in a friendly against Panama last month.
Vargas told ESPN last month that he rejected a move to Liga MX to prioritize a move to Europe.
“They reached out, but my priority is going to Europe,” Vargas said. “My contract with the Sounders expires at the end of this year, so if (a move to Europe) doesn’t happen before that, then the idea is at the end of the year.”
The Sounders played against Atlético last year in the FIFA Club World Cup. Ahead of that game, Vargas talked about how he had grown up a fan of the club.
“Atlético de Madrid, they’re underdogs, all the time. And when I lived in Alaska, I started watching them, especially in the 2014 Champions League final,” Vargas told the Sounders’ website. “And I think it correlates with my own story. … I identify myself with that, coming from Alaska, of having to fight through moving, and an Academy team, second team, a national team. … I think it’s been my mentality all the way through my career.”
Spain’s transfer window closes on Monday night.
