SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that it has acquired $50,000 of General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2021 and $25,000 of GAM in 2022 from Inter Miami CF in exchange for the right of first refusal to defender Kelvin Leerdam. After Leerdam’s option was declined following the 2020 campaign, the Dutch fullback signs with Miami to a three-year contract. After joining Sounders FC in the 2017 Summer Transfer Window, Leerdam tallied 105 MLS matches (including postseason), 10 goals and 12 assists, helping Sounders FC to three MLS Cup Final appearances and the 2019 title.
“We’d like to thank Kelvin for four memorable seasons in Seattle,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “His quality of play, in addition to his tactical acumen and professionalism off the field were key to our success over the last few years. We wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his career down in Miami.”
Leerdam came to Seattle in July of 2017 and instantly became the starter at rightback, starting 19 of 20 appearances (including postseason) as the Rave Green advanced to MLS Cup. After recording five assists in 26 regular season appearances in 2018, he scored five goals in 29 appearances in 2019, helping Sounders FC win the MLS Cup title at home in a game that Leerdam scored the opening goal. Leerdam recorded three goals and three assists in 21 appearances in 2020.
Sounders FC is set to open the 2021 MLS regular season at home on Friday, April 16 against Western Conference side Minnesota United FC at Lumen Field (6:30 p.m. PT / FS1). The matchup pits the two defending Western Conference finalists against each other, after the Rave Green earned a 3-2 comeback win in last year’s conference championship fixture. Full dates and broadcast details of the 2021 MLS season schedule will be announced at a later date.
TRANSACTION: Sounders FC receives $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2021 and $25,000 in GAM in 2022 from Inter Miami CF in exchange for the right of first refusal to defender Kelvin Leerdam on March 23, 2021.
