Last week a report emerged suggesting the Seattle Sounders might be targeting Brazilian midfielder João Paolo, with Botafogo openly welcoming an offer for the 29-year-old. Given his durability, quality of play and apparent eagerness to come to the United States, the rumor seemed to make a fair amount of sense.
But with MLS owners and players currently negotiating the soon-to-expire Collective Bargaining Agreement — and Garth Lagerwey openly reluctant to make too many signings before it’s finalized — his potential price tag figured to play a big role in the Sounders’ ultimate interest.