Sporting Kansas City signs Benji Joya

Midfielder Benji Joya is the newest member of Sporting Kansas City, the club announced Thursday evening. The 22-year-old will join Sporting KC as soon as his International Transfer Certificate is received.

Joya is a San Jose native who has spent the past five years in the Santos Laguna system. He has gone on loan twice to different clubs, the first to the Chicago Fire in 2014 and then to Club Necaxa in Liga MX. He has also been on the US youth national teams, representing the United States 2013 U-20 World Cup.

He is a central midfielder with an ability to play up as an attacking midfielder. He has struggled in his young career, only one career goal and one career assist in 30 career club matches. He hasn't played a full 90 minutes since last September, but his youth and potential make him an appealing option for Sporting KC.