Seattle signs Colombian striker Montero

By Ridge Mahoney, Special to SI.com, Soccer America

The precise details won't be known until all the paperwork and documentation is done, but Colombian attacker Fredy Montero has signed an MLS contract to play for Seattle Sounders FC.

Montero, 21, has been negotiating a move for the past few months and according to a team source, has been acquired on loan, presumably from Deporivo Cali, which had previously loaned him out to a Colombian lower-division club, Atlético Huila.

He joined the Sounders for the start of preseason training Wednesday and will be eligible to play competitive matches upon receipt of his international transfer certificate and P-1 work visa. He and his agent conducted discussions with other clubs, including Real Betis of Spain, amid unconfirmed reports at least a portion of his rights are controlled by outside parties, which contravenes FIFA statutes.

He debuted for Colombia against Panama in 2007 and on Oct. 11 played 55 minutes as a starter for Colombia in a 1-0 home loss to Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Colombia is seventh among the 10 South American nations with a 2-3-5 (W-L-T) record (11 points).