Mexico and ex-Seattle Sounders star Obed Vargas to leave Atletico Madrid

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Atletico Madrid have decided to allow former Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas to leave the club on loan in the final days of the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old completed one of the most significant moves in recent MLS history in the winter when he left the Sounders to join Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. It was a win-win transfer for all parties.

Vargas joined the team he grew up supporting, Atleti paid just $3.5m for a hugely exciting talent, Seattle received a club-record fee for a player on an expiring contract and MLS saw one of its brightest prospects join one of the world's biggest clubs.

The Mexico international made 13 appearances for the LaLiga side in his first half-season, and he also featured three times for his country at the World Cup. However, he made the move at a time when Atleti underwent a substantial midfield revamp, which has continued this summer.

Vargas to be loaned out

Atleti have signed Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand, and there is now a belief that the club's midfield has become too crowded. According to Super Deportivo, the decision has been made to allow Vargas to depart on loan before Deadline Day.

Atleti want him to play regularly and feel that they can't offer him consistent minutes right now. They still believe in his immense potential and are confident that he could challenge for a starting spot after a season of top-level football in a good European league.

There are also squad-building considerations at play. Vargas occupies a non-EU spot, of which LaLiga teams only have three available. With Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in, Atleti have signed two non-EU players this summer, so they are now pressured for these premium roster slots.

It is emphasised that the Rojiblancos have no intention of entertaining a potential sale of Vargas. They solely want him to leave on a straight loan so that he can play regularly.

Five clubs have already expressed an interest in taking Vargas on board. LaLiga sides Alaves, Getafe, Sevilla and Valencia are keen to loan the Anchorage-born midfielder, as are Dutch heavyweights Feyenoord.

Ironically, the Sounders could also use Vargas right now, as they have struggled to find midfield control since his departure. They are currently on a historically bad run of form, but there are no suggestions that there is any chance of a possible return - it would be a step backwards for the 21-year-old at this stage of his career.

It remains to be seen if Vargas will stay in LaLiga or head to the Eredivisie, where plenty of Mexican and American stars made their names in European football in the past.