Seattle had its first designated player, Freddie Ljungberg, signed by October 2008.

FORBES: E Pluribus Sounders (Part 2): Focusing on Fans While Building Towards an MLS Franchise

It all added up to the fifth most expensive payroll in MLS. It was a team good enough to compete for a playoff spot, but not overly burdened by expectations set by a superstar designated player or outsized payroll.

FORBES: E Pluribus Sounders (Part 2): Focusing on Fans While Building Towards an MLS Franchise

English clubs do not have an agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union over player release outside of designated windows.

BBC: Wales scrum-half Dwayne Peel signs new Sale contract