Swedish Defender Adam Johansson, 28, has played the past seven years for IFK Göteborg in Sweden’s top league, the Allvenskan.
RENTON, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC have signed Swedish international defender Adam Johansson to a multi-year contract, it was announced today. Johansson’s signing will be finalized upon receipt of his P-1 visa and International Clearance. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed.
Johansson, 28, has played the past seven years for IFK Göteborg in Sweden’s top league, the Allvenskan. He has made a total of 129 league appearances for Göteborg since 2005, scoring two goals. His pro career began with Västra Frölunda of the second tier in 2002.
“Adam has been a mainstay at Göteborg for years and we are very happy to add him to our defense,” said Sounders FC technical director Chris Henderson. “His leadership and experience are going to be a great compliment to the growth of our team.
“Adam is very good tactically and is smart in the way he joins the attack from the back,” added Henderson. “We are pleased he is also in the running for the starting right back role for Sweden as they prepare for the Euros.”
“I had a great stay in Seattle while meeting with officials from the club, and seeing the stadium and training ground,” said Johansson. “I got a really good feeling. It will be a new start for me, a new life. It’s going to be a good adventure.”
“The Sounders are one of the biggest teams in the United States,” added Johansson. “They want to be one of the top clubs in North and South America and have big crowds. I’m joining a club with a very good reputation.”
In 2009 Johansson made his full international debut for Sweden in a friendly with the U.S. at Carson, Calif. and later started in three World Cup qualifiers, playing on both the left and right side. His ninth and most recent cap came against Cyprus in February 2011.
After finishing runners-up in 2005, Göteborg claimed the Swedish double in 2007, and also claimed the cup in 2008 and 2009. The Angels were second in the league in 2009.
Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) – Signed DF Adam Johansson
Adam Johansson
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Birthdate: 2/21/1983
Place of Birth: Gothenburg, Sweden
Hometown (Citizenship): Gothenburg, Sweden (Sweden)
Pronunciation: Yo-HAWN-sun
Last Club: IFK Göteborg (2005-11)
Previous Clubs: Västra Frölunda IF (2002-04)
