Sounders Vargas Signs…

Midfielder Obed Vargas has officially transferred to Atlético Madrid from MLS team Seattle Sounders FC, signing with the LaLiga club until June 30, 2030.

According to sources, Seattle will receive a record transfer fee for Vargas, exceeding the previous $4 million paid by Tottenham Hotspur for DeAndre Yedlin in 2014. The deal includes performance incentives as well as a share of any potential future transfer fees.

Vargas had previously mentioned his ambition to play for Atlético Madrid after competing against them in the 2025 Club World Cup.

“I hope to one day play with Atlético. I believe if I continue to perform well, that opportunity will come,” he stated during the 2025 summer tournament.

Seattle’s GM and chief soccer officer, Craig Waibel, revealed that initial discussions about the transfer began after the match with Atlético, where Seattle owner Adrian Hanauer expressed to Atlético executives that Vargas was a player worth watching.

“[Hanauer] highlighted Vargas’s talent, stating he was good enough to capture interest. He performed exceptionally that day, as he has consistently throughout his career,” Waibel recalled.

After that meeting, both parties remained in communication, with discussions intensifying in the last three weeks. With Vargas’s contract set to expire at the end of the year, it became crucial for Seattle to secure a transfer fee rather than risk losing him for free.

“We understood that Obed might not be their primary target in this transfer window, given the club’s status,” Waibel commented. “However, kudos to Atlético Madrid for maintaining their interest and faith in Vargas’s potential for development.”

Waibel acknowledged the roles of Atlético’s director of football Carlos Bucero and technical director Severiano Garcia in successfully finalizing the deal.

“The negotiation was straightforward and respectful, without any questionable tactics from either side,” Waibel noted. “It was genuinely refreshing to deal with such a professional group.”

The 20-year-old midfielder leaves Seattle Sounders, where he made his debut in 2021 and accumulated four goals and 12 assists over 92 MLS appearances throughout five seasons.

Vargas became an integral part of the team under head coach Brian Schmetzer, helping the Sounders win the 2022 Concacaf Champions League and reach the 2025 Leagues Cup final against Inter Miami CF.

His performances attracted interest from various clubs, leading Vargas to decline an offer from Liga MX outfit América to chase his European dream.

“They [Club América] reached out to me, but my priority is to go to Europe,” Vargas stated in an interview with ESPN.

On the international stage, Vargas has been called up to represent Mexico at both youth and senior levels. Recently, he played as a substitute in a friendly against Uruguay, coming on in the 65th minute.

“The coaching staff emphasizes that being invited to camp signifies you have a shot at making the World Cup roster,” Vargas explained. “They advise us to stay healthy, fit, and active, which will enhance our chances. My goals for this year are to remain healthy, fit, and competing.”

In the last moments of the LaLiga winter transfer window, Atlético Madrid shored up their midfield by acquiring Rodrigo Mendoza from Elche. The Spain U21 international has signed a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until 2031.