Sporting Kansas City signs midfielder Ilie Sánchez

Sporting Kansas City announced the signing of 26-year-old Spanish midfielder Ilie Sánchez on Friday, bringing in a much-needed midfielder to help round out the squad.

The contract with Sánchez is two-years through 2018 with an option for 2019.

“Ilie is a player we have been interested in and followed for a long time,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said in the press release. “We are very fortunate to add him to our roster as we get ready for the 2017 season.”

Sánchez comes out of the Barcelona FC youth system in Spain, where he featured extensively for Barcelona B from 2009-2014 before moving on to 1860 Munich in Germany. He hasn’t featured in a match since April and was let go by 1860 Munich in August.

Sánchez will occupy an international slot, which brings Sporting KC up to 9 international players for 8 slots. Here’s a look at the full roster. Sporting KC do not need to be completely roster compliant until March.