Official: Shelton to SC Paderborn 07 in Germany

[Update: On Saturday, SC Paderborn 07 made Shelton’s signing official. Bizarrely his signing was announced alongside 21-year-old Mohammed Kamara, who is also a striker but has scored 80 goals over the last three seasons. Two very different directions there at striker. — Chad Smith]

Former Sporting Kansas City forward Khiry Shelton seems to have landed in the second division in Germany. There are multiple reports that Shelton is close to signing with SC Paderborn 07 in 2. Bundesliga. Shelton is expected in Paderborn soon to complete the deal.

Shelton played one season with Sporting Kansas City, coming to the Midwest from New York FC in a trade for Saad Abdul-Salaam. Shelton made 15 starts in 20 appearances with 2 goals and 5 assists during the regular season.

The former Oregon State Beaver quickly made a good impression on manager Peter Vermes and earned most of the starts at center forward in 2018. While not scoring much himself, Shelton’s hustle, defensive play and attitude led many to feel the team played better when he started. Sporting KC made an offer to Shelton at the end of the season but it is unclear if that was an attempt to keep him or just make sure his rights would stay with SKC.

Photo by Friso Gentsch/picture alliance via Getty Images

SC Paderborn 07 earned a promotion from the third division (3. Liga) after the 2017-18 season when they finished second. Shelton’s (probable) future team currently sits in 7^th in 2. Bundesliga with 28 points, 9 back from Hamburger SV. Paderborn is looking to sign multiple reinforcements to help them climb the table.

Interesting trivia: