It has been a brilliant few years for Obed Vargas. After becoming the third-youngest player in MLS history, Vargas emerged as a key figure for Seattle Sounders. The Alaskan enjoyed a stellar 2025, winning the Leagues Cup, competing in the FIFA Club World Cup and MLS All-Star Game, and being nominated for the MLS Young Player of the Year. And after 8 goals in 130 appearances, Vargas decided to leave the United States for the first time and test his skills abroad.
He didn’t join Liga MX side Club América,
however, but Atlético Madrid instead. After debuting against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal, Vargas would go on to make a total of 13 appearances across all competitions for Atleti. He ended the 2025/26 season in fine form, playing in their last nine league matches, starting in their last three, and bagging an assist vs. Valencia. And after competing for Mexico in the FIFA World Cup, it seemed that Vargas was destined for an even better season with Atleti.
Instead, it seems that he won’t play a single match for Atleti this season, with the Colchoneros set to loan him out. Despite scoring a penalty in their first preseason friendly vs. Getafe, and despite starting the next two matches vs. Manchester United and Manchester City followed by a substitute cameo vs. Marseille, he was nowhere to be seen in the season opener. Whilst other unknown youngsters like Arnau Oritz and Rodrigo Mendoza started vs. newly promoted Málaga, Vargas didn’t even make the bench.
Indeed, the arrivals of Morten Hjulmand and Kang-in Lee have added to an already stacked midfield, making it nearly impossible for Vargas to get consistent minutes. At 21 years of age, Vargas cannot afford to waste any more time wasting away on the bench, and it’s little surprise that the top soccer betting platforms have linked him with a summer move away from the Estadio Metropolitano. Nevertheless, with a contract until 2030, it’s likely that the only move that would be considered would be a loan rather than a permanent transfer.
It’s probable that Vargas will stay put in Spain and start coming to grips with LaLiga’s style of play, with Getafe, Valencia, Alavés and Sevilla showing interest. However, don’t count out Feyenoord, with the Eredivisie giants pushing hard for the signing and promising him regular minutes. It remains to be seen where he ends up, but one thing’s for sure: Vargas won’t be sticking around in San Blas-Canillejas for much longer.
