Hours before their U.S. Open Cup semifinal against LAFC, the Seattle Sounders bolstered their roster with the addition of winger Georgi Minoungou. The 22-year-old native of Ivory Coast will join as a Special Discovery Player, meaning the transfer fee that was originally paid to MFK Vyškov last year can be amortized over the full life of his contract. Since the Sounders already hold his international transfer certificate, the move is allowed despite the transfer window having already closed. His First Team contract runs through the 2028 season with a team option for 2029.
Minoungou has spent most of the last three seasons with Tacoma Defiance, where he first arrived on loan in 2022. In that time, he’s also made five appearances with the Sounders, including two in the Open Cup and two more in MLS play earlier this year. He has four goals and 12 assists in about 3,500 minutes in the Sounders organization.
“The club is excited to sign Georgi to a First Team contract," Craig Waibel, Sounders FC General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer, said via the club’s announcement of the signing. "He’s a talented young attacking player who has proven himself for Defiance at the MLS NEXT Pro level, in addition to his opportunities with the First Team. Georgi has also grown consistently since joining the organization in 2022, and we look forward to continuing his professional development going forward.”
Minoungou first joined the Defiance in 2022 as a bit of a project, but managed to register two goals and five assists in less than 750 minutes. The Sounders saw enough promise in him to take him on their preseason trip to Spain where he scored in a preseason game.
But just before the season started, he had an issue with his eye that nearly caused it to be removed. Minoungou returned but had to wear protective goggles.
Although his vision remains impaired, Minoungou has looked much closer to his full self this season. The final product is still often missing, but he’s a constant threat coming off the wing and is second in MLS Next Pro with 3.9 successful dribbles per 90 and is rated as the top dribbler in the league by American Soccer Analysis.
“I'd like to congratulate Georgi and officially welcome him to the squad," said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. "This is a well-deserved opportunity for a player who not only has performed well for Tacoma Defiance, but also taken full advantage of his chances with the First Team. Our staff is looking forward to working with Georgi and continuing his development at the MLS level.”
