Sounders FC shored up its depth in midfield Wednesday with the signing of Michael Farfan, a four-year veteran in Major League Soccer and a former MLS All-Star.
Per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Farfan trained with the Sounders ahead of the 2015 season and caught the eye of the Sounders technical staff then, but the two sides were unable to come to terms on a deal.
“Michael is a technical player with good feet who I’ve followed for a while now,” Sounders GM and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey said. “We were interested in signing Michael last year after having him in camp, so we’re happy he was available to add to our roster now.”
Farfan, 27, comes to Seattle after appearing in 17 games for D.C. United last season. He made his MLS debut with the Philadelphia Union in 2011 and spent three seasons with the club before he was sold to Liga MX side Cruz Azul ahead of the 2014 Clausura.
Farfan scored four goals in 82 games with the Union, and enjoyed a career year in 2012 with career-highs in games played (32), starts (31), minutes (2,802) and assists (five). He was also named a late addition to the MLS All-Star team that year and ultimately logged the final 16 minutes of the All-Stars’ 3-2 win over EPL powerhouse Chelsea at PPL Park.
Farfan scored a late stoppage-time winner against Pachuca in his lone appearance for Cruz Azul in 2014 and then returned to MLS and D.C. United, where logged one assist last season.
“We’re excited to add an experienced and versatile player like Michael to our roster ahead of our upcoming preseason camp,” Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said. “We think Michael can come in and provide experience, depth and competitiveness to our midfield and we look forward having him in the squad.”
A native of San Diego, Farfan began his collegiate career with Cal State Fullerton before transferring to North Carolina for his final two seasons of eligibility, earning First Team All-ACC and NSCAA First Team All-America honors in 2009 and 2010. A 2010 MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Farfan scored 10 goals and recorded seven assists in 33 career games for the Tar Heels.
The Sounders will open their preseason training on Saturday at the Starfire Sports complex in suburban Tukwila.
