Although the Seattle Sounders and Dinamo Zagbreb apparently came to terms on a transfer fee for Dario Špikić, the move has hit a roadblock over the player’s salary demands, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Barring a change of heart or new-found salary cap space, the Sounders are moving their attention to other targets.
The Sounders are somewhat limited by their salary-cap situation and even though Zabreb was apparently interested in opening a relationship with MLS, there just wasn’t enough wiggle room to meet Spikic’s compensation.
The Sounders had also been holding ongoing talks with Japanese international Takuma Asano, who they nearly signed following the 2022 World Cup. Asanso is coming off a season with Vfl Bochum of the Bundesliga in which he had seven goals in about 2,100 minutes and was a free agent. But La Liga’s Mallorca was simply able to pay more than the Sounders could afford.
The pursuit of both players at least gives a clear indication that the Sounders are looking to bolster their wide attacking options. They will likely continue to look internationally while also pursuing trade partners within MLS or even from the lower leagues. The transfer window will remain open until Aug. 14.
