TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
The Seattle Sounders are reportedly on the precipice of bringing back a key piece from their MLS Cup finalist 2020 squad.
According to Niko Moreno of Pulso Sports, the Sounders are finalizing a deal with Joao Paulo to return for the 2021 season. The midfielder was on loan from Brazilian club Botafogo in 2020.
Paulo, 29, had two goals and five assists in 19 matches (17 starts) with the Sounders. He played more as a deep-lying playmaker than an attacking midfielder, forming one of the league's top midfield trios with Nicolas Lodeiro and either Gustav Svensson or Cristian Roldan.
Seattle GM Garth Lagerwey expressed optimism a few weeks ago that Paulo would return in 2021. He initially joined as a Designated Player last January after 10 seasons in Brazil.
