A Closed Transfer Window Doesn’t Mean Signings Can’t Happen

I write this story every season but it’s worth reminding everyone that just because the secondary transfer window is closed doesn’t mean that the signings have to stop. On August 8, 2018, Sporting Kansas City had finished making their signings for the window and it has to be considered more successful than usual. The window brought the return of striker Krisztian Nemeth and the arrival of center back Andreu Fontas.

Now that the window is closed, Sporting KC (and all the other Major League Soccer teams) cannot make any trades within the league or “request the transfer certificate of a player under contract in another country.” However, they can sign any player that is out of contract.

That includes players that are currently under contract to USL clubs like the Swope Park Rangers. Last year both Kharlton Belmar and Kevin Oliveira were brought up from the Rangers after the transfer window closed and the signings of Gianluca Busio and Jaylin Lindsey were also announced as well (though Lindsey’s contract didn’t officially start until 2018).

A quick scan of the SPR roster leaves a lot to be desired. The Rangers are currently in the 8th and final playoff spot and are currently in free fall. It’s hard to imagine much of anyone earning a first team contract. One exception to that rule could be midfielder Felipe Hernandez. He is often the lone bright spot on an otherwise struggling Swope Park team. If anyone else were brought up they would likely join players like Oliveira, James Musa and Tyler Pasher and find themselves out of a contract after the season.

Of course, like Busio and Lindsey, there are likely players lurking in the SKC Academy that we aren’t familiar with that could pop up in the coming weeks as possibilities.

As it stands right now Sporting KC have two open roster spots. One on their senior roster and one on their supplemental roster. They don’t have any open international slots, though, months ago Peter Vermes said Daniel Salloi was close to getting his green card which would free up a slot.

Last year Sporting KC were close to adding Kevin Parsemain, an international out of Martinique. That was until bizarre rules prevented it from happening. A green card will be required for Salloi (or someone else) to make an equivalent signing this season.

So as always, there is no guarantee that someone will be added but the possibility always exists. If I had to put money on it, I’d lean towards Hernandez earning a contract but you can never be sure. The team has until September 14th to make a move.