Although it’s not a particularly flashy move, it looks like the Seattle Sounders could add a bit more veteran savvy to their defense with rumors surfacing that they are pursuing centerback Kim Kee-Hee, according to Sounder at Heart’s Niko Moreno. That should be a familiar name, as Kim played for the Sounders in 2018 and 2019, which included a start in MLS Cup. All indications are that the Sounders are mainly interested in Kim, now 35, as a veteran depth piece.
Sources: #Sounders is targeting former Seattle player and Ulsan Hyundai center back, Kim Kee-hee.
— Niko Moreno (@ELROLONW) January 10, 2025
The 35 year-old could be an interesting addition, providing experienced depth at a low salary on a veteran contract.
Kim played 4K plus minutes over the last 2 seasons in KL1. pic.twitter.com/ya0b9GgZhZ
Aside from his familiarity with the club, Kim is also extremely experienced in terms of raw minutes and international competitions.
After a successful stint with the Sounders in which he played about 5,700 minutes in all competitions, Kim moved back to his native South Korea where he worked himself into a regular role with Ulsan HD over the past five seasons. During those years, Ulsan finished first or second in their domestic league every year, won the 2020 Asian Champions League, played in the 2020 Club World Cup and qualified for this summer’s Club World Cup through the federation’s club-ranking system. Along the way, Kim made 146 appearances across all competitions, which included 22 Champions League appearances and two starts in the Club World Cup, where he scored a goal. In the last two seasons, he’s been a regular starter.
Sounders GM Craig Waibel said the team will likely be looking to give Josh Atencio more looks at centerback, and having a player like Kim on the roster gives them a bit more wiggle room to experiment. He’d likely also be competing with Jon Bell, Stuart Hawkins and Leo Burney for backup minutes.
With the the Paul Arriola trade expected to be completed soon, Kim’s signing would leave the Sounders’ roster relatively full. Waibel also indicated the team is hoping to bring in an international U22, but said he wants to give coaches an opportunity to fully assess the roster before making that signing. Any other additions would likely require the Sounders to move players currently on the roster.
