On Tuesday afternoon, Sporting Kansas City announced they had signed Rwandan international center back Abdul Rwatubyaye from Rwandan first division side Rayon Sports FC.
Collectively, the response around North American soccer circles was rooted in unknown intrigue.
Rwatubyaye, a 22-year-old with extensive professional experience in his native country as well as 22 senior international caps, isn't exactly a known commodity around these parts and he's the first Rwandan to sign a contract in MLS. Did SKC unearth another unhidden gem and how does such a deal even come about?
Well, current LAFC and former Sporting winger Latif Blessing played an indirect role, as the same intermediary who helped facilitate Blessing's transfer to Kansas City in 2017 put Rwatubyaye on the club's radar.