On Tuesday morning, the Sounders announced the signing of midfielder Magnus Wolff Eikrem. The 27-year-old Norway native comes from Swedish side Malmö FF, where he has played since 2015. He also has 17 caps for the Norwegian national team.
“I am very happy,” Eikrem said upon arriving in Seattle on Monday. “I am very excited to be a Sounders player and I cannot wait to get started in preseason and start to play in front of these amazing fans.”
After shining for his local club in Norway, Eikrem signed with Manchester United at age 16. He appeared in matches with the U-18s and reserve side before transferring back to Norway in 2011. In two-and-a-half seasons with Molde, Eikrem made 68 appearances and helped the club win the Tippeligaen – Norway’s first division – in consecutive seasons.
The midfielder signed with Dutch club Heerenveen in 2013, then joined Welsh side Cardiff City in 2014 before plying his trade with Malmö FF for two years.
“Adding Magnus will be good for the club,” Vice President of Soccer & Sporting Director Chris Henderson said. “I think he is a smart soccer player; he has an understanding of the game. Technically, he is very good; he has played at a high level.
“It’s been a long process of scouting and good collaboration with all of us here at the club. I think he is going to be a great piece to add. He can play multiple positions and he will make us competitive in the attack.”
Eikrem can play anywhere across the midfield, and has shown a knack for quality service from the run of play and set pieces. He joins an attacking midfield that includes Clint Dempsey,Nicolás Lodeiro and Víctor Rodríguez, all of whom have had success abroad.
“The competition is going to be really high this year,” Henderson said. “We are returning almost our full roster from back-to-back MLS Cups, but we’ve got to get ready fast for CONCACAF Champions League and the start of the season.”
Eikrem, meanwhile, is excited to get started with his new club.
“I know it’s a very exciting league and a league on their way up. I want to be successful here – I think I am going to be.”
