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Whether you felt SKC more desperately needed a striker or a center back, the club is coming through with both. Last night the news broke about the return of Krisztian Nemeth, and today we see that defensive reinforcements are on the way as well.
The Kansas City Star is reporting that Andreu Fontas has reached a multi-year agreement after Sporting Kansas City acquired his rights by way of a free transfer. There is an issue with his paperwork and he has not yet arrived in KC, but the deal has been made official whether or not the international paperwork is finalized by Wednesday night.
On Tuesday morning, Celta de Vigo sent a heartfelt goodbye tweet to Fontas complete with a highlight reel and #GrazasFontàs.
OFICIAL | @AFontas3 se desvincula del #Celta tras cinco temporadas de máxima entrega y profesionalidad dentro y fuera del campo. #GrazasFontàs pic.twitter.com/bVaOdv55nw
— RC Celta (@RCCelta) August 7, 2018
Before injuring his achilles tendon, Fontas was a key player for Celta as they solidified themselves in the first tier. They returned to the Primera Division in 2012 and finished 17th that season. Fontas arrived the next summer and helped Celta Vigo jump to the top half of the table finishing 9th, 8th, and 6th the next three seasons.
His achilles problems began during the 2015-16 season and you could argue he hasn’t been the same player since. Transfermarkt puts his current value at $3.47 million, so the free transfer should be appreciated. But Fontas was finding it more difficult to get on the field for Celta. After returning to the roster from injury woes last season, he made just one appearance over the final 10 matches.
Barcelona B was where he began his professional career. But he eventually made 16 appearances for the FC Barcelona first team and even scored a goal in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League in 2010. Fontas also scored a Europa League goal in his eight appearances during the 16/17 season.
Also if you’re into that sort of thing - FIFA 18 rated Fontas a 78.
The 28-year-old Spaniard figures to immediately fight for a spot with Ike Opara & Matt Besler. Emiliano Amor was hastily removed from the team, leaving the CB depth at a minimum. The defensive core has not been what it was last season and SKC fans will be happy to see a player with such experience come into the lineup.