Frimpong on trial with Sporting Kansas City

Emmanuel Frimpong (24) is in town trialing with Sporting Kansas City. The former Arsenal midfielder was most recently with Ufa in the Russian Premier league but was terminated by mutual agreement in April after two years of a three year contract.

Originally discovered by Arsenal and brought up in their academy, Frimpong debuted for the senior team in 2011 at just 19 years old. The young Ghanaian showed lot of promise but was sent on loan to Wolverhampton, Charlton and Fulham.

Frimpong joined Barnsley in 2014 but was released a few months later when the club was relegated. He then joined Ufa that fall where he made the news when he was subjected to racial abuse by fans. Frimpong reacted with a gesture, was sent off and was further punished by the Russian FA.

Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes confirmed he is in camp. When asked if it was just training with the team on trial, Vermes replied," Everything is always a trial. Everything is always a trial, always."

At one time Frimpong had a huge upside with Premier league talent but Vermes wants to see what he can provide at the moment. "We are trying to look at where he is now. I don't care what the past was; it's where he is now. We're taking a look at him, just taking a look at him," Vermes stated.

Frimpong is probably best at the 6 spot (holding/defensive midfielder) but can also play an 8 (box-to-box mid). While the formation adjusts and responsibilities change, Sporting KC has Mustivar at the 6 spot and Espinoza at the 8.

Frimpong has a lot of talent but should Sporting KC take a chance  on him?