Seattle Sounders Sign Danish Midfielder Christian Sivebæk

The Seattle Sounders have announced the long-rumored signing of midfielder Christian Sivebæk, most recently of Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland. The 23-year-old has represented Denmark at the U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels and has spent four of his five professional seasons, his only time away from the club a one-year loan to second division Danish side Skive IK. He is the son of former Manchester United, Saint-Étienne and Denmark international right back John Sivebæk.

Sivebæk is likely being brought in primarily as a back-up for Mauro Rosales, but his versatility makes him an attractive option as a back-up to Adam Johansson as well; in fact, Sivebæk has spent more time as a right back than as a midfielder in recent years and there is speculation that his desire to play in the midfield led to a falling out with FC Midtjylland management. At 6'3" and 194 pounds, Sivebæk can provide a more imposing physical presence on the right which is an option the Sounders lacked at times last season.

Though Sivebæk will be expected to contribute right away, this is equally a move for the future. He's still a very young player with room to develop, and as he will not be first-choice right away will have an opportunity to become more comfortable with the league and the team's style before he is leaned on too heavily. Moves such as these will likely be the norm the rest of the offseason; shoring up depth with an eye to those players becoming future regulars isn't necessarily the sexiest thing in the world, but it's an approach smart clubs take to ensure they will be competitive year-in-and-year-out.