Seattle Sounders have signed winger Pedro de la Vega from Argentinian side Club Atletico Lanus on a four-year contract through the 2027 season with an option for 2028.

The 22-year-old’s arrival makes him Seattle’s first-ever Young Designated Player, and he’s now set to join a Sounders attack that already boasts the likes of USMNT forward Jordan Morris, Raul Ruidiaz, Albert Rusnak and Leo Chu.

De la Vega joins the Sounders having spent his entire professional career thus far in Argentina with Lanus, registering six goals and three assists in the 2023 Liga Profesional season. In total, de la Vega has managed 17 goals and 13 assists in 126 appearances for Lanus since making his debut at 17.

According to The Seattle Times, the Sounders shelled out roughly $7.5m to acquire the winger’s services, which is the second-most expensive transfer fee in club history behind USMNT legend and Tottenham Hotspur icon Clint Dempsey, who was bought for $9m in August 2013.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pedro to the Sounders organization and the city of Seattle,” Sounders general manager & chief soccer officer Craig Waibel said in a release.

“A talented, exciting young player with a ton of promise ahead of him, we believe Pedro is an excellent addition to our team both on and off the field.”

De le Vega’s experience includes competing in one of South America’s elite club competitions, the Copa Sudamericana. He’s also represented Argentina at the youth international level for the U20 and U23 teams.

“We are very excited to welcome Pedro to our team and can’t wait to get to work with him in preseason camp,” Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer added. “He’s a dangerous player with a creative skillset in the final third. As a coaching staff, we look forward to seeing how he can elevate our attack.”

The Sounders are gearing up for another deep postseason run with de la Vega now in the mix, as they begin their 2024 MLS campaign on February 24 against LAFC at BMO Stadium.