Atletico Madrid signs Seattle Sounders star Obed Vargas

The 20-year-old midfielder could make his Copa del Rey debut against Barcelona

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Atletico Madrid have secured the transfer of 20-year-old Obed Vargas from the Seattle Sounders. The rising talent made the move from MLS to LaLiga on deadline day and could make his Copa del Rey debut against Barcelona. Vargas has already logged 25 minutes for Atleti in all competitions, as Diego Simeone has wasted no time getting him into the squad.

Why it matters

Vargas is considered one of the top young midfielders in MLS, having been named the league's best player under 22 last season. His move to Atletico Madrid represents a significant step up in competition as he looks to break into the Mexican national team ahead of the World Cup on home soil.

The details

Vargas made the move from the Seattle Sounders to Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day. Atleti got a first-hand look at Vargas during the FIFA Club World Cup last summer when they defeated the Sounders in group stage play. The young midfielder has already logged 25 minutes for Atleti in all competitions, and could make his Copa del Rey debut against Barcelona.

  • Vargas made the move from Seattle to Atletico Madrid on the January transfer deadline day.
  • Vargas could make his Copa del Rey debut for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona on February 12, 2026.

The players

Obed Vargas

A 20-year-old midfielder who recently transferred from the Seattle Sounders to Atletico Madrid. Vargas was named the best player under 22 in MLS last season and has also earned his first cap for the Mexican national team.

Diego Simeone

The manager of Atletico Madrid who has wasted no time integrating the young Vargas into the squad.

Antoine Griezmann

The Atletico Madrid star that Vargas idolized and now gets to play alongside.

Javier Aguirre

The head coach of the Mexican national team, who previously managed Atletico Madrid and will be keeping a close eye on Vargas' progress.

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What they’re saying

“My objective is winning MLS Cup for sure, that's what I want to win, but after that, if you're asking personally for me, I want to play in Europe and I think that would be a huge step for me.”

— Obed Vargas, Midfielder (CBS Sports)

“I like playing against the best, I've always said it, and all that competition is welcome. To be the best, you have to beat the best, and I welcome that competition.”

— Obed Vargas, Midfielder (CBS Sports)

“[The World Cup] is definitely an objective, it's in the back of my mind all the time. Each day we get closer, that's the reality. I know the expectations there is for Mexico, I know the pressure that is there for the national team. If I get called in for the next camp for the World Cup.”

— Obed Vargas, Midfielder (CBS Sports)

What’s next

Vargas will look to make the most of any minutes he can gain in the Copa del Rey match against Barcelona, as he aims to become a regular in the Atletico Madrid rotation and earn a spot on the Mexican national team's World Cup roster.

The takeaway

Obed Vargas' move from MLS to Atletico Madrid represents a significant step up in competition as the 20-year-old midfielder looks to break into the Mexican national team ahead of the World Cup on home soil. His ability to excel at every level so far suggests he has the talent to succeed in LaLiga and potentially become a fixture for both club and country.