Last night it was all but confirmed.
Now it’s even more official. Clint Dempsey has been signed by Major League Soccer. And we all know he’s heading to the Seattle Sounders after ProSoccerTalk’s sources confirmed Clint’s move late last night.
The following statement was posted on Tottenham Hotspurs website, as the first team were preparing to play French side Monaco in a preseason friendly.
“We have reached agreement with Major League Soccer for the transfer of Clint Dempsey,” Tottenham said. “The United States international returns to MLS after making 43 appearances and scoring 12 goals in our colors following his signing from Fulham last summer. We wish Clint every success for the future.”
So, there you have it.
There’s no mention of Seattle in the release from Spurs but of course all they had to do was announce that the player has been sold to Major League Soccer. It is likely that Tottenham were asked not to release the details of which club Dempsey will play for.
(MORE: Confirmed, Dempsey to sign for Seattle Sounders FC)
There was no mention of the transfer fee but this is hugely significant news for Major League Soccer and the US national team.
Dempsey will reportedly sign a deal with the Sounders that sees him pick up over $8 million per season, and make him one of the league’s leading faces.
(MORE: Dempsey to Seattle in $9 million move, plus $8 million salary)
The move has been rumored for the past few days and with ProSoccerTalk confirming a move to the Emerald City was happening, the last few hours have been spent summarizing exactly what Dempsey’s move back to MLS will mean.
Captain of the USMNT and a leading light for Americans in Europe for over seven years, Dempsey’s return to North America has been greeted with a mixed reception. Yes, fans are pleased to see him return to MLS and bring his swaggering attacking impetus to a stadium near you.
(MORE: Why Clint Dempsey’s move to Seattle won’t affect the US national team)
But some US fans see the move as a backwards step, and believe Dempsey should have stuck it out in the Premier League ahead of the World Cup in Brazil next summer.
Regardless of your view, this is a huge day for the domestic game. Dempsey is officially a Major League Soccer player again, after leaving New England in 2006.
There will be a huge party in Seattle tonight to welcome Deuce to the Sounders family.
More: Why Clint Dempsey’s move to Seattle won’t affect the US national team
More: Confirmed, Clint Dempsey to sign with Seattle Sounders FC
More: Dempsey to Seattle in $9 million move, plus $8 million salary