Sounders FC Transfers Obed Vargas to Atlético Madrid in Major La Liga Move

Sounders FC has completed a significant transfer, moving midfielder Obed Vargas to La Liga club Atlético Madrid just before the Winter Transfer Window closed. This marks a notable milestone for the player, who has been a vital part of Sounders FC since joining their Academy in 2019.

Obed Vargas’ Career Overview

Obed Vargas, a 20-year-old native of Anchorage, Alaska, joined the Sounders FC Academy at the age of 14. Over the past five seasons, he has made 130 appearances for the First Team, scoring eight goals and recording 16 assists. His contributions were crucial in helping the team secure the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup 2025.

2025 Season Performance

• Vargas played 41 matches across all competitions in 2025.
• He achieved six goals and seven assists during the season.
• Vargas was named on MLS’ annual 22 Under 22 list and selected as an All-Star.

Transfer Details

The specifics of this transfer deal have not been disclosed. Nonetheless, it includes an undisclosed transfer fee, with Sounders FC retaining a sell-on percentage for any future transfer. Craig Waibel, General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer of Sounders FC, expressed pride in Vargas’s growth. He noted the midfielder’s hard work and dedication from his academy days to the First Team.

Historic Moments and Achievements

Vargas made his MLS debut with the Sounders against Austin FC on July 22, 2021, becoming the third-youngest player in league history. He later signed with the First Team, officially debuting in a Concacaf Champions Cup match against Honduran club Motagua.

Performance Highlights

• He played in all six matches of the Leagues Cup 2025, contributing to the team’s triumph.
• Vargas started all 26 of his league appearances in 2025.
• He recorded two goals in the postseason win against Minnesota United.

Future Aspirations

Vargas has represented the Mexico National Team at various levels and recently debuted for the senior squad against the United States in October 2024. This transfer represents the first time a Sounders FC Academy product has moved to a major European league since DeAndre Yedlin’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.

As Sounders FC continues its preseason in Spain, Vargas’s departure marks a new chapter in both his career and the club’s development strategy. The club is set to kick off the 2026 MLS regular season against the Colorado Rapids on February 22 at Lumen Field.