Jordan Morris to Seattle Sounders: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

The Seattle Sounders confirmed Thursday that young United States soccer star Jordan Morris would be signing with the team:

Morris tweeted an image of his own Thursday:

The Stanford junior is considered one of the brightest young talents for the United States men's national team. He's a key fixture on the U-23 team and has made seven appearances for the senior squad, scoring a goal against Mexico in April 2015.

Morris, 21, received interest from overseas clubs, including Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, who took him on a 10-day trial, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC.

Seattle had rights of first refusal in the MLS to sign him since he played for the team's academy and is a homegrown player, as Morris is from Seattle.

There was some debate about what would be better for his career, playing domestically or internationally. The argument for the domestic side was that he would earn more playing time with the Sounders, and, of course, his presence would be excellent for the MLS. 

But some felt that playing overseas in a more competitive league like the Bundesliga—where he would have developed against a higher caliber of players—would have been best for him. 

Even so, USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann, who has been vocal in his belief that top players should develop overseas against the best competition the world has to offer, was pleased with Morris' decision.

"I'm thrilled that Jordan decided to go pro," Klinsmann told Carlisle. "This is the really important decision. And I'm thrilled with the Sounders, that he goes into an environment that he knows, that he feels comfortable with, and that he feels now that, 'At this specific point in time, this is the best move for me.'"

In Seattle, he'll join a loaded group of forwards that includes Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins and Nelson Valdez, meaning that at least one of those players is facing a reduced role this upcoming season. Given the importance of Morris' signing and his upside, it's unlikely Seattle will keep him on the sidelines.