The Seattle Sounders announced the splash signing of Argentina attacker Pedro de la Vega.
He arrives from Lanus, his boyhood club in Buenos Aires where he had 17 goals and 14 assists in 127 matches since 2018. He is under contract through 2027 with an option for 2028.
"I was always very passionate about coming to MLS. I had a lot of desire to come over here and I'm happy that I have come to a club like this, a club that is always competing for big things in the league they're playing or in any type of competition they are playing," de la Vega said through a translator. "I like the fact that there is also opportunity for me to grow and there's always championships in sight."
The MLS club introduced the 22-year-old winger Wednesday holding up his new No. 10 jersey.
He inherits the shirt from longtime captain Nicolas Lodeiro, who left for Orlando City in free agency.
"It's an honor to play with (the No. 10 jersey)," de la Vega said. "More than pressure, it's motivation for me to actually honor that number and use it in a positive way."
Internationally, de la Vega featured for Argentina at the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
"What I liked about him is he fits who we are here: He doesn't quit, works hard, grit, determination, always running, always moving," Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said. "He's an exciting player. Dribbling at people, defenders, so we'll work him in, we'll find the right spot for him. But he's going to be an exciting player to watch."
Seattle opens the 2024 MLS regular season on Feb. 24 at LAFC.
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