Ljungberg To Seattle Sounders FC?

The Seattle Sounders are looking to make a big splash when they begin league play in MLS for 2009. The club's deep-pocketed investors are reportedly interested in signing a big-name Designated Player to help the club avoid the usual fate of an expansion team in their first season.

The latest Sounders FC rumor centers on Freddie Ljungberg, the Swedish winger who spent a successful decade in England with Arsenal. The 31-year-old had most recently signed a four-year deal with West Ham United in 2007, but both sides mutually agreed to terminate the contract in August of this year after injuries greatly reduced his playing time. Ljungberg was reportedly given a one-time payoff of £6 million for his early departure.

"I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there but the decision is the best for the both of us," he said at the time. "Now I will take my time to consider my football future."

He had been making £85,000/week while at West Ham, which equates into roughly $148,000/week in the United States, based on the current exchange rate, a salary that would easily put the star into Designated Player territory if he was to sign with an MLS club.