MLS: Fredy Montero Loaned to Colombian Club, Could Be Gone

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When Fredy Montero went yet another MLS post-season without scoring a goal, his future with the Seattle Sounders seemed to be put squarely in doubt.

Now, Montero may never get another chance to find that first playoff goal.

The Sounders have agreed to a deal to send Montero on a six-month loan to Colombian side Millonarios, sources confirmed to SBI on Thursday. The deal, first reported by Futbol Red, is a six-month loan with an option for a six-month extension of the loan, as well as a $4.5 million purchase option. Sources with knowledge of the loan deal have confirmed the parameters of the agreement.

The loan sends Montero to the reigning Colombian league champions, a team that will compete in Copa Libertadores this year.

Montero is set to leave the Sounders after four seasons. During that time he produced 47 goals and 34 assists. His production in the playoffs was far less impressive. He managed zero goals and two assists in 10 career playoff games with the Sounders.

At his best, Montero could be one of the best forwards in MLS, but stretches of inconsistency and poor production late in the year became common occurrences during his tenure in Seattle. The 25-year old never quite fit well with Eddie Johnson, which likely proved to be the last straw for the Sounders, who have spent a good part of the off-season trying to unload the All-Star forward.

Montero’s departure leaves Johnson as Seattle’s unquestioned lead striker, and also frees up room for the Sounders to sign another high-priced attacking player. With the team’s wealth of midfield options, Sigi Schmid could chose to focus on a one-forward attack, though the Sounders are a safe bet to add another forward this off-season.

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