Sporting Kansas City has signed 26-year-old Spanish midfielder Ilie Sánchez to a two-year contract through 2018 with an option for 2019, the club announced on Friday. Sánchez, acquired as a discovery signing, will occupy an international roster spot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 visa.
Sánchez, a product of FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, has eight years of professional experience in Spain and Germany. The defensive midfielder featured extensively for FC Barcelona B from 2009-2014 and most recently played for Spanish side Elche CF during the 2015-16 season.
“Ilie is a player we have been interested in and followed for a long time,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said.