SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today selected defender Jonathan Bell in Stage One of the 2023 Re-Entry process. The 26-year-old spent the 2023 season with St. Louis CITY SC following two years with the New England Revolution, starting 21 of his 30 career MLS regular season appearances. Bell is currently out of contract following the 2023 season, with Sounders FC now required to extend a Bona Fide Offer, per Re-Entry Stage One policy. Should Bell reject the Bona Fide Offer, Seattle would hold his Right of First Refusal in MLS.
Originally San Jose’s 38th overall selection in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft following a collegiate career at University of Maryland Baltimore County, Bell played for New England Revolution II in 2020 before signing a First Team contract prior to the 2021 season. The Jamaican international started 19 of 27 appearances over two seasons with the Revs, helping the club win the 2021 Supporters’ Shield. He appeared in five matches across all competitions for St. Louis in 2023, in addition to four appearances in MLS NEXT Pro action.
Seattle and Austin were the only two teams active during Stage One of the 2023 Re-Entry process, which took place earlier today. Similar to the End-of-Year Waivers process, the Re-Entry Draft is conducted in the reverse order of the final 2023 season standings, keeping in mind postseason performance. During the Re-Entry Draft, MLS clubs can select players who are at least 22 years old, have a minimum of one service year, and who are not eligible for Free Agency.
Seattle is currently in the midst of its offseason, finishing the regular season in second place in the Western Conference with 53 points (14-9-11), advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals before falling 1-0 to LAFC.
