Seattle Sounders have decided to part ways with midfielder Magnus Wolff Eikrem. The Norwegian joined the Sounders from Malmo during the winter transfer window and contributed two goals and an assist in 17 appearances for the club. Sounders confirmed the decision through a statement which read: “We would like to thank Magnus for his contributions to our club this season and wish him the best as he embarks on the next step in his career.”

With Eikrem out of the squad, Sounders have the opportunity to add up an international player into their squad before the MLS’s second transfer window concludes on August 8. Eikrem arrived at Sounders on a free transfer in January and was regarded as a potential player, who can challenge for regular gametime in the centre of the park.

However, barring an impressive CONCACAF Champions League debut, he struggled to adjust to the Sounder’s tactical measures and was at times, found guilty of making a restricted impact on the defensive side of the game. Besides this, Eikrem was not capable of coping with an advanced role in the 4-2-3-1 formation as he lacked the pace to compete with opposite fullbacks.

Brian Schmetzer have endured a difficult Major League Soccer season and they have remained routed toward the bottom half of the Western Conference table. Nevertheless, they have made amends with a run of four unbeaten games where they have picked eight points and they continue to have a realistic chance of making the playoffs.

At present, the Sounders are 10 points behind sixth-placed Real Salt Lake but they can reduce this gap to four points with a couple of games in hand. Since their inception in 2009, Sounders have reached the playoffs in every campaign while going on to win the MLS Cup in 2006. Last term, they could not defend the crown after finishing runners-up to Toronto FC.