Reports: Sporting Kansas City to sign Felipe Gutiérrez

Sporting Kansas City appears to be close to signing Chilean midfielder Felipe Gutiérrez.

Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images

The news originally broke yesterday with a reporter in Chile linking him to Sporting KC. More reports today locally and abroad make it seem likely. The Star is reporting that he will get a contract that is in the Designated Player range.

Gutiérrez (27) has played for Real Betis in Spain, FC Twente in the Netherlands, Internacional in Brazil as well as Universidad Católica in his home country. He had been on loan from Betis to Internacional but was released when he returned. Betis had filled his spot and did not have room on the roster.

He has more than 30 appearances for the Chilean national team with 4 goals. He played in the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa America championship.

Listed as a central midfielder, his best spots seem to be as a 6 or 8, the defensive midfielder and box-to-box roles. With Ilie and Roger Espinoza in those spots now he may see playing time in both those and possible the attacking midfield spot as well. Of course, most players under manager Peter Vermes are expected to fill multiple spots.

No matter what role he plays, a Chilean international with experience in La Liga should be a boost to the overall talent level and provide Vermes with more flexibility in lineups and substitutions.