Sporting KC signs defender Emiliano Amor on loan from Argentina

In some news you’re sure to love, Sporting KC have signed 22 year old Argentinian Emiliano Amor on a season long loan from Superleague side Velez Sarsfield. He will provide much needed depth at the centerback position and with an option to buy the player permanently, he may just be a long-term project for Peter Vermes.

Amor made his top-flight debut at age 19 in late 2014 for his hometown club Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires. He made his way through the youth system and has spent all 5 years of his professional career in Argentina’s capital. Velez Sarsfield finished in 6th place last season making it to the Copa Argentina Quarterfinals with Emiliano contributing along the way.

This season Amor has featured in eight matches and the club sit all the way down in 16th place.

With the recent departure of homegrown player Erik Palmer-Brown - as well as the unknown status of Kevin Ellis - Sporting Kansas City was left incredibly thin at centerback. Behind starters Matt Besler & Ike Opara it was basically just Amer Didic, who was recently promoted to the first team from the Swope Park Rangers. Didic is a good player, but still quite raw. An MLS side needs 3 CBs they can count on. When the double-game weeks are mixed in with US Open Cup & Champions League play, squad rotation will be absolutely necessary.

While I’m inclined to think Amor - with over 50 first-team appearances in Argentina - should slide into #3 in the depth chart, we shouldn’t sleep on Didic. At 23 years old, the Canadian is entering his third year in KC and he understands the American game already. And more importantly he understands Peter Vermes’ game already. It will be very good for this squad to have those two pushing each other in training everyday.

Below are a couple highlight reels of our new friend.

Let us know what you think in the comments below!