Rumors: Ljungberg to SSFC?

[ssfcultra]

The buzz around the Interweb is that Freddie Ljungberg might be the big name signing for the rave green.

I wrote about it yesterday after reading it from a few sources: http://www.weareecs.com/2008/10/14/fred-freddy-and-freddie-the-rumors/

Goal Seattle wrote about it in a few places, however, pick up here:
http://goalseattle2.blogspot.com/2008/10/can-freddie-still-play.html

Also, East Coast write Ives Galarcep linked back to GoalSeattle's blog from his piece here: http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2008/10/seattle-sounder.html

What do you think? If you're like me then you're skeptical of the signing yet recognize that the upside could be enormous.

[Seattlegooner]

He is extremely injury prone. That's the reason Arsenal let him go and West Ham had to offload him because of his wages and his inability to stay injury free.

Would rather see another younger player signed for the same transfer fee.

[YukataNinja]

Transfer fee? I'm under the impression he was released and therefore it would be free.

[ssfcultra]

He would come on a free since he is not under contract.

[BVB09Germany]

He would come on a free since he is not under contract.

Probably wouldn't be a horrible thing then, only if we can keep his salary somewhat low because like some already said he is injury prone. Not sure, he could bring a lot but in the same respect that injury issue could be a big deal.

[YukataNinja]

The max salary is $400,000. So unless he is willing to play for that then he will have to be a DP.

[H.,]

The max salary is $400,000. So unless he is willing to play for that then he will have to be a DP.

He could play for 100K and be given a big modeling contract, separately.

H.

[Ultra666]

I don't know...
There were rumblings out of the Sweden camp at the Euros that he lacks leadership qualities.

As others have mentioned, he has injury issues...

I use to really like how he played, but he really dropped off over the past few years.


Not sure if the guys is worth DP money anymore...

[ssfcultra]

IF we sign Ljungberg I think Keller is still our defacto captain. We only need new signings to play unless they have exemplary marks on their resume for leadership qualities.

[ericgi]

Not in favor of this at all. Last thing we need is players who aren't fit. Being a new team is tough enough as it is, but we tie a bunch of money up in one player like this and he plays only a handful of games due to injury... it's a recipe for struggles in the table.

[MMClark]

I like Keller because even though he has been playing for many years now, he still has the agility in his legs, and will be able to handle himself and the pitch for some seasons yet. However, I don't want to fill our team with a bunch of aging superstars.

There's a reason why Ljungberg isn't under contract right now, and if Seattle does sign him, he better not be our DP. It'd be a waste of money and of our DP slot.

[ssfcultra]

To be fair - I think that there's a reason why he's not under contract in England. I'm not so sure that he wouldn't be worthy of a Seattle DP slot. Different leagues present different challenges. Hell, Freddie might've been fine in continental Europe because the play isn't known to be as physical.

[nickp107]

Is everyone taking crazy pills?!?!?

i'm kidding of course... but we have a potential of having an experienced solid core of true profesional footballers. Not just to play for our club, but to also help bring the young players up in training. Thats why i'm happy with the keller signing as well. These are players that have played at the highest level.

I'm not opposed to bringing up the youth, but i just watched the U.S. team last night and all that young talent was worth squat without solid leadership and experience. i'm stoked if we sign the pretty boy

[FuzzyForeigner]

i doubt we will, he does not fit into the "Hanauer Philosophy". If he is signed, my guess is that he wont be a DP.

i just wish goalseattle had not gone with this rumor.

[MMClark]

i just wish goalseattle had not gone with this rumor.

This rumor has become more of a reality. CNN says they have sources confirming that Seattle has been officially talking to Ljungberg. Whether or not he's been signed is a different story, but multiple people have confirmed that's he's been talking to the FO.