TUKWILA, Wash. — These days, practices at Starfire have Garth Lagerwey, Chris Henderson and Kurt Schmid observing, and chatting with coaches. The Seattle Sounders scouting staff is expected, by fans, to sign a Designated Player, and yet they are in the local area. The work for this transfer window is no longer about scouting talent, or figuring out the psychological fit. Right now, it’s about closing the deal — salary math on the side of the Sounders, the player, their agent, their current team if they have one and maybe even other parties.
“Usually at this period it's about coming back, discussing, talking through, weighing options, which I feel like we are doing all year long anyway.