The long-rumored signing of Freddie Ljungberg by Seattle Sounders FC appears close to reality as the Seattle Times is citing a Swedish report that has revealed that Ljungberg is set to be introduced as Seattle’s designated player next week.
Ljungberg is set to join former U.S. national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller, USL star Sebastian LeToux and Gambian starlet Sanna Nyassi as the first four building blocks in the Seattle team set to begin play as Major League Soccer’s 15th expansion team in 2009.
Ljungberg, a 31-year-old winger best remembered for his days with Arsenal, has the skills and charisma to be an impact player for Seattle, but whether he is worth a designated player slot is another story. Obviously the only way Seattle could bring him in was via a DP slot, but with only one slot per team you can’t help but wonder if Ljungberg was the best fit to take up that slot.
SBI readers weren’t a fan of the Ljungberg-as-DP move when I first mentioned it 11 days ago, with 56 percent of the 1,571 readers who voted declaring that they thought it was a bad idea. You can include me in that camp. I do think he could be an impact player on the field, but am not sold on him as Seattle’s first designated player.
What do you think of the news? Ready to order your Ljungberg Seattle jersey? Think he’s going to be a bust in MLS? Looking forward to Calvin Klein underwear giveaway night at Qwest Field?
Share your thoughts on the Ljungberg-Seattle below.