Homecoming Move Bolsters Sounders Midfield
The Seattle Sounders just brought back one of their own. On Tuesday, the club announced they’ve locked down midfielder Hassani Dotson through free agency, signing the Federal Way native through the 2027-28 season with an option for another year beyond that.
This isn’t just another roster addition for Seattle. This is a Washington kid coming home after seven years grinding it out in Minnesota. Dotson made his bones with Minnesota United, racking up 176 appearances and contributing 18 goals and 16 assists across all competitions since the Loons drafted him 31st overall back in 2019.
Filling the Void in the Middle
The timing couldn’t be better for Seattle. The Sounders needed reinforcements after watching João Paulo walk in free agency and Danny Leyva head south to Liga MX’s Necaxa. Dotson steps right into that gap, bringing proven MLS experience and the kind of tactical flexibility head coach Brian Schmetzer craves.
General manager Craig Waibel didn’t mince words about what attracted them to the 28-year-old.
“His versatility, competitiveness and willingness to do the hard work make him an ideal fit for our group.”
That’s exactly what you want to hear when you’re trying to reload for another championship push.
Smart Soccer Player Returns Home
Dotson’s journey took him through Oregon State before Minnesota scooped him up as a second-rounder. Now he’s back in the Pacific Northwest, ready to contribute to a Sounders squad that demands consistency and intelligence in the middle of the park.
Schmetzer emphasized the importance of that MLS savvy, calling Dotson “a smart soccer player” who “does the simple things well.” In a league where midfield battles determine games, that kind of reliability matters more than flashy highlight reels.
The Sounders are betting that Dotson’s understanding of what it takes to succeed in MLS will pay immediate dividends. He knows the grind. He knows the travel. He knows how to contribute whether you need him to start or come off the bench and change a game.
Seattle just added depth, experience, and local ties all in one move. That’s how you build sustainable success in this league.
