Sounders FC Transfers Obed Vargas to Atlético Madrid in La Liga Move
Sounders FC has officially transferred midfielder Obed Vargas to Atlético Madrid, marking a significant move for both the player and the club. The transfer was confirmed on February 2, 2026, just before the closure of the Winter Transfer Window.
Obed Vargas: Rising Star of Sounders FC
Obed Vargas, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, joined Sounders FC Academy in 2019. At just 20 years old, he has already made a substantial impact in Major League Soccer (MLS). Vargas spent five seasons with the first team, culminating in 130 appearances, eight goals, and 16 assists. His contributions were pivotal in winning the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup and the 2025 Leagues Cup.
2025 Season Highlights
During the 2025 MLS season, Vargas had a standout performance, recording six goals and seven assists in 41 matches. His efforts earned him a spot on MLS’s annual “22 Under 22” list and an All-Star selection.
Transfer Details
While specific financial details of the transfer to Atlético Madrid have not been disclosed, Sounders FC retains a sell-on percentage. General Manager Craig Waibel expressed pride in Vargas’s achievements and emphasized the collective effort of the club’s coaching and development staff.
A Journey from Academy to First Team
Vargas’s football journey began at the Cook Inlet Soccer Club before he joined the Sounders FC Academy. He made his MLS debut on July 22, 2021, against Austin FC, becoming the third-youngest player in league history. He officially signed with the first team in December 2021 as the club’s 18th Homegrown Player.
Key Achievements While at Sounders FC
- 130 appearances with 8 goals and 16 assists.
- Helped secure the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022.
- Played a vital role in winning the Leagues Cup in 2025.
- Participated in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Vargas started all six matches in the 2025 Leagues Cup, contributing to a decisive victory over Inter Miami in front of nearly 70,000 fans at Lumen Field.
A Personal Connection to Atlético Madrid
Vargas has a personal history with Atlético Madrid, having followed the team since childhood. After playing against Atlético in the FIFA Club World Cup, he exchanged jerseys with Antoine Griezmann, a player he admired since his youth.
International Career
On the international stage, Vargas has represented Mexico, with three senior caps and significant contributions at the U-20 and U-23 levels. In 2025, he participated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile and made his senior debut for El Tri in October 2024.
Looking Ahead
With Vargas’s transfer, Sounders FC continues its preseason training in Spain, preparing for the upcoming 2026 MLS season. The team’s first match is scheduled for February 22 against the Colorado Rapids.
As fans and players alike celebrate Vargas’s achievements, his move to Atlético Madrid serves as an inspiration for young athletes pursuing their dreams in professional soccer.
