One Designated Player out, another one in.
The Seattle Sounders on Friday announced the signing of German midfielder Christian Tiffert, who spent the past two seasons with Bundesliga side FC Kaiserslautern.
Seattle’s third DP slot became available after the team traded midfielder Álvaro Fernández to Chicago earlier in the afternoon.
"We were extremely impressed with Christian during his visit to Seattle," Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer said in a statement. "His character and mentality fit well with the culture we have established within the organization, both on the field and in the locker room. We believe Christian will help us in our push towards the playoffs and beyond."
Tiffert, a central attacking midfielder, comes to the Emerald City with good credentials, helping Kaiserslautern to a seventh-place finish in 2010-11 with a league-leading 17 assists. With FCK relegated after this past season, however, the 30-year-old playmaker became available.
With 12 years of pro experience under his belt, Tiffert has made more than 280 appearances in the German top flight, including during his time with VfB Stuttgart and MSV Duisberg. He also spent a season with Red Bull Salzburg of Austria.
The Halle, Germany, native is expected to slot into central midfield for Seattle alongside Osvaldo Alonso. He can also play on either wing.
"We wanted to bring in a player who is a central midfielder and has playmaking capabilities," Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid. "Christian is a player who fits this mold and brings a lot of experience from the top league in Germany. His leadership and versatility make him a good fit for our club."
Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed. Tiffert will be added to the roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa.
