The Seattle Sounders FC acquired their third designated player on Thursday, completing the signing of Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Fernandez fresh off his appearance for Uruguay in the World Cup.
Seattle announced the deal on Thursday morning, but still must wait to receive his international transfer certificate before Fernandez can be added to the active roster.
"I'm very excited to be playing in the U.S. because the football has grown a lot in the last few years and keeps getting better," Fernandez said in a release. "Seattle is beautiful and I think it's the ideal place to be with my family. All these things helped in making my decision."
The 24-year-old Fernandez played in four matches for Uruguay during the 2010 World Cup and started in Uruguay's quarterfinal win over Ghana. He comes to Seattle after playing on loan for Chile's Universidad during the 2010 season. Fernandez has also played for club teams in his native country, Mexico and Portugal.
Acquiring the young midfielder appears to be a trade off for the pending departure of Seattle's first designated player, Swedish midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. Ljungberg has not played for Seattle since late June and is currently training on his own while his agents try to work out a transfer to another club. Ljungberg's two-year deal with Seattle expires in November.
Ljungberg, a former star at Arsenal, fell out of favor with the Sounders in his second MLS season. With the Sounders already struggling to match last year's success, Ljungberg has missed the last three league matches while looking for options during the international transfer window.
"Alvaro is experienced internationally and he has demonstrated a tremendous work rate and great tactical awareness," Seattle technical director Chris Henderson said. "He likes to connect passes, possesses good pace and moves well off the ball."
Swiss striker Blaise Nkufo was Seattle's second designated player. Nkufo joined the team earlier this month.
