Sounders FC could be close to signing World Cup player

TUKWILA — The winds of change continue to blow around Sounders FC camp.

Less than 24 hours after the team announced star midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is exploring options to leave Seattle, reports out of South America indicate Uruguayan midfielder Alvaro Fernandez, 24, could be close to signing with the second-year MLS franchise.

Fernandez, a native of Montevideo, most recently played for Chilean club Universidad de Chile on loan from Uruguay's Nacional. The versatile 6-foot-1 midfielder has made 11 appearances for Uruguay's national team. This summer he played four games in the FIFA World Cup, where his team was the surprise of the tournament and placed fourth.

Fernandez could have been a target of Sounders FC general manager Adrian Hanauer, who was in South Africa during the World Cup to look at potential signings. Hanauer has given several indications that roster moves are imminent following the July 15 opening of the MLS transfer window.

Saturday, after designated player Blaise Nkufo had his first training session, Hanauer said he anticipated further change.

"We've been working hard and will continue to work hard on making the team better," Hanauer said. "There are internal things we can do and there are roster moves, and certainly roster moves are something that we're working on."

Specifically addressing the Fernandez transfer speculation, the team issued a statement that echoed a similar sentiment: "The club is continuing to look at all options to improve the squad during the transfer window. We are aware there are several reports circulating, but we have no comment at this time. If a move is made, then we will make an announcement."

The potential addition of Fernandez would help ease the loss of Ljungberg, who could be officially gone by the end of the week.

Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid, whose team is 5-8-4, said addressing immediate needs is only natural for a struggling team.

"If things aren't going right, you're going to focus on the now, the immediate and the near-term to get that part right," Schmid said.

Much-needed rest

Seattle will have had a full week to prepare for Sunday's 7:30 p.m. home game against Colorado at Qwest Field. This is the first time since returning from a leaguewide break for the World Cup that the Sounders haven't had two games in one week.

"It's definitely strange to have so much time," Schmid said. "We are used to just going back out there and playing again. It gives us a little bit of time to sort of take a deep breath, but we want to make sure we stay in rhythm and we stay fit."

Notes

• Injuries continue to limit forward Nate Jaqua (groin), midfielder Brad Evans (knee) and defender Tyrone Marshall (hamstring) in training.

• Two invitees are new to Sounders FC training this week: defender Jalil Anibaba from the University of North Carolina and midfielder Andy Rose from UCLA.

Joshua Mayers: 206-464-3184 or jmayers@seattletimes.com