SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that it has signed midfielder Erik Friberg. The 29-year-old Swedish international is being added to Sounders FC’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate once Major League Soccer’s International Transfer Window officially opens on July 8. Per MLS and club policy, additional terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
“We’re excited to add a versatile midfielder in Erik to our roster,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “Erik is a player that is well-liked and respected within our organization, and we’re eager to welcome him back to Seattle.”
Friberg previously played for Sounders FC in 2011, starting 23 of 26 appearances and recording one goal and two assists. He then moved to Swedish side Malmö FF, where he appeared 41 times from 2012-2013, scoring six goals and helping the club to the 2013 Allsvenskan championship. He then spent the 2013-2014 season with Italian side Bologna, starting five of seven appearances for the Serie A side. Most recently, the Göteborg native played 13 games for Esbjerg in the Danish topflight.
“Erik is a smart tactical player and has the ability to put players out of the game with his forward passing,” said Sounders FC Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “He won a U.S. Open Cup Championship with our organization, and after leaving Seattle he played in three strong European leagues. We are happy to add his leadership to the group.”
Prior to joining Seattle in 2011, Friberg played four seasons with Swedish club BK Häcken from 2007-2010, leading the team with seven assists in 2009. He began his career with hometown club Västra Frölunda, spending two seasons with the youth team before making his senior team debut in 2005 and earning team Player of the Year honors in 2006. Friberg also has two career caps for the Swedish national team.
Sounders FC returns to action later this week with a Friday-night matchup with Eastern Conference leader D.C. United. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. PT, with the match being broadcast nationally on UniMas.
Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC signs midfielder Erik Friberg on June 29, 2015.
Name: Erik Friberg
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 154
Born: February 10, 1986
Hometown: Göteborg, Sweden
Citizenship: Sweden
Acquired: Signed on June 29, 2015
