Seattle Sounders FC to pursue Albert Rusnak as a free agent, according to reports

Press reports indicate that Seattle Sounders FC wants to sign Albert Rusnak as a free agent, now that the player announced his departure from Real Salt Lake. 

The news was reported by Niko Moreno and Jeremiah Oshan of Sounder At Heart. And although it is rumored that DC United also wants him, it seems that the player is closer to the Sounders. 

And it is not strange that several teams are looking for the Slovakian given that in the last tournament, he was a starter in his team, and in 34 regular-season games he scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists. 

Interestingly, the player had expressed his desire to stay with RSL before the MLS Cup 2021 Playoffs, but in recent days rumors of his joining Seattle Sounders FC have gained momentum. 

And although the news comes as a surprise to many, it would not be surprising to see the Slovakian feel at home if his move to Seattle is successful. 

That's because if Rusnak arrives he won't have to struggle to hit it off at his new club since assistant coach Freddy Juarez was the head coach at Real Salt Lake before joining the Sounders. 

And that's not the only connection that would help the midfielder feel at home: Seattle Sounders FC's sporting director is none other than Craig Waibel, the same man who brought Rusnak to MLS from the Eredivisie, where he played for Groningen. 

On the other hand, although there is talk that the player is also interested in DC United, it seems more likely that he will arrive in Seattle where the links already mentioned in this article make his arrival easier. 

And apparently, they are not the only clubs that want him because, according to the media Bola VIP, Boca Juniors is also interested in the player, although it is an option that looks a little more complicated because of the salary issue. 

About this, a British journalist who covers all the MLS news said:

"Tonight they have been told that Boca Juniors are suddenly monitoring the situation of Slovak international Albert Rusnak after talks with the MLS suitor broke down. Although Rusnák's preference would be to remain in the United States." 

Rusnak bids farewell to Real Salt Lake fans with an emotional message

Just yesterday the 27-year-old midfielder uploaded to his social networks an emotional farewell message to his followers, in which he expressed how he feels about leaving the team that was his home since 2017. 

Rusnak wrote on his Instagram account:

"My time at Real Salt Lake is done and while it is now time to say goodbye, please know that I will cherish our memories, how we overcame many obstacles, in the face of immeasurable odds." 

The player has left his mark on RSL and numbers that his fans will most certainly miss. 

During his entire tenure with the Utah team, Rusnak played 140 regular-season games, 135 of which he played as a starter. 

In that time, the Slovakian scored 41 goals and 39 assists, in addition to being a Designated Player for the institution, which is now undergoing changes after David Blitzer and the Smith Entertainment Group acquired the club.