Ljungberg signs on with Seattle
Seattle Sounders signed ex-Arsenal midfielder and one time Calvin Klein undie model Frederik Ljungberg for their expansion team. Ljungberg was in the market after agreeing to terminate his four year contract with West Ham playing just one season.
He comes on as Seattle’s DP in a two year deal worth approximately $20 million. The deal was made more attractive with Ljungberg’s retirement from international soccer which would mean that the club would not have to contend with national squad duty absences.
Ljungberg is counted as one of Arsenal’s best 50 players and made his mark in the 2001-2002 season which saw the club winning the Premiership as well as the FA title. He was known for some stunning goals and his spectacular red stripe in his hair.
The Sounders will get a midfielder who is comfortable playing down both flanks but more at home on the left or as a slot striker. He has slowed down considerably due to injuries and was used at West Ham as a sub where he showed occasional flashes of his slashing acceleration, cutting in from the flanks or crossing from the wide out area. At this stage he would be physically incapable of playing 90 minutes in the EPL but the MLS with its slower pace might still be manageable.