SEATTLE – The Seattle Sounders are focused on tying up star attacker Fredy Montero, even if it means using a Designated Player spot on the Colombian.
Seattle Sounders part owner and general manager, Adrian Hanauer, outlined his organization’s plans for the 23-year-old league MVP candidate.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations with Fredy, especially now that the transfer window has passed,” Hanauer said on Monday’s edition of ExtraTime Radio. “We’d like to see him here for lot of years and if that means using a Designated Player slot on him, we won’t be shy about doing that.
“Blaise Nkufo aside and the success he’s having, we do like the idea of focusing energy on younger Designated Players and, from a financial standpoint, it makes sense because if we bring one in, we maybe can sell the player out and it’s good for everyone.”
Both Montero and Hanauer confirmed there is still a contract in place. However, the Colombian player told MLSsoccer.com on Monday that the transfer talk involving a possible move to Russian club CSKA Moscow did take away a bit of his focus earlier in the season.
“It is a distraction,” Montero said about transfer talk. “I can’t tell you that you stop thinking about it. But we’re professional players and you’re going to hear these rumors and truths. You need to know how to deal with it.”
[inline_node:317436]Montero’s season coincidentally took flight when the rumors died down and former Sounders DP Freddie Ljungberg was shipped to the Chicago Fire. Montero went on to earn Player of the Month honors for July and inserted himself in the discussion for league MVP as he has the Sounders on the brink of a second consecutive MLS postseason berth.
“Obviously the results tell you how the team is doing,” Montero said of the Sounders’ current form. “We are scoring goals in every game and it’s good. We needed this and we’re all pushing in the same direction.
“I’m happy with my performances for the team. Without a doubt I had to be a leader for the team with my goals, my effort and sacrifice, he added. “But the team is not just one player and we’re scoring now with [Steve] Zakuani and Nkufo.
“I don’t know if I can be MVP, but I dream about it and I’m working hard. It would be great for my career and for the club.”
Montero did not hide his disappointment at not seeing his name on the Colombian national team’s roster for two exhibition matches in the United States next week, including one against the US at PPL Park on Oct. 12.
He says it is not right that the Colombia’s coaching staff overlook players based in MLS, but he believes it’s just a matter of time before he makes his international return and he aims to be ready to prove he belongs.
In the meantime, Montero is targeting more trophies for the Sounders. He wants to win an MLS Cup with the club as well as make another run at the CONCACAF Champions League next year. But first, Seattle get a crack at hoisting a second straight US Open Cup against the Columbus Crew in Tuesday’s final at Qwest Field (10 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel).
If the Sounders have anything to say about it, Montero will be in the Emerald City long enough to achieve his goals.
“Anything can happen,” Hanauer said. “But he’s a player that we’re extremely interested in keeping for the long haul.”
