Seattle Sounders Reportedly Sign Marcus Hahnemann

Finally bringing to an end a rumor that has persisted so long that it's become something of an inside joke among the team's fans, the Seattle Sounders have reportedly agreed to terms with Seattle native and former A-League Sounder Marcus Hahnemann on a one-year contract with a second-year option. As Hahnemann is a former national-team player he re-entry into MLS was subject to the allocation process, meaning that Seattle most likely traded something of minimal value to move up in the allocation order in order to pick up Hahnemann's rights. Unless paperwork has been filed with the league office without word leaking out elsewhere, this looks to be Seattle's final move before the "roster freeze" tomorrow.

In an 18 year professional career, Hahnemann has spent time with the Sounders and Colorado Rapids in the US, as well as English clubs Fulham, Rochdale, Reading, Wolverhampton and Everton. Hahnemann has also made 9 appearances for the US National Team and has been regularly selected as a backup to Kasey Keller and Tim Howard.

Hahnemann was widely rumored to be the likely replacement for former Sounders captain Kasey Keller, but that speculation came to an end with the signing of current first-choice keeper Michael Gspurning. This move seemingly came out of nowhere, but it will give the Sounders some experience and added insurance behind Gspurning heading into the playoffs. It will also serve as a homecoming for Sounders legend Hahnemann, as what is likely the final contract of his career will bring his time as a professional full-circle.

UPDATE: The Sounders acquired Toronto FC's first spot in the MLS allocation order in exchange for a conditional draft pick.