Sounders reportedly finalizing deal to add Clint Dempsey

The Seattle Sounders appear to be on the verge of making a huge move that would bring U.S. National Team star Clint Dempsey, arguably one of the most accomplished American soccer players ever from England to Seattle.

Rumors have been flying in recent days that the Sounders were pursuing Dempsey, then on Friday ESPNFC.com first reported that the Sounders and English Premier League club Tottenham, Dempsey’s current team, are finalizing a transfer.

Sounders general manager Adrian Hanauer said he could not comment on the report.

The Sounders announced earlier in the week that Shalrie Joseph had agreed to a new contract that freed up a designated player slot, leading to speculation that a big move was coming before the transfer window closes next week. And the addition of Dempsey would certainly qualify as a big move.

Dempsey, 30, has been the U.S. team’s captain and most consistent player in recent years, and was a member of the 2006 and 2010 World Cup teams. His 35 international goals are the second-most in U.S. team history, and his 17 league goals for Fulham in 2011-2012 were the most ever by an American in the Premier League. That season led to a transfer to Tottenham, which made Dempsey the highest-paid American soccer player in history.

So why would a player still in his prime what to leave a top club in one of the world’s best leagues for MLS? Well for starters, Tottenham is reportedly close to adding a couple of forwards who could make playing time scarce for Dempsey this season. Yet even if Dempsey was playing less, he would still be making good money, so this deal with the Sounders must also be a very lucrative one.

When Dempsey was in Seattle with the U.S. team in June, he spoke very highly of soccer fans in the area, noting that walking through the city on a Sounders game-day reminded him of being in Europe. Following that game, Sounders and U.S. team forward Eddie Johnson, a close friend of Dempsey’s, said he couldn’t name names, but that more than one U.S. teammate told him that they’d like to play in Seattle some day. It appears we now know the identity of one of those players.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.