Sporting Kansas City signs Canadian international defender Marcel de Jong
Sporting Kansas City announced on Monday that Canadian international defender Marcel de Jong will join the team for the 2015 season.
The 28-year-old's arrival is pending the approval of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.
“We continue to look to add experience in the players joining our roster,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said in a statement from the team's official website. “Marcel’s time in the German Bundesliga and with the Canadian Men’s National Team will bring excellent experience to the team.”
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De Jong has appeared 31 times and scored two goals for Canada since his international debut in 2007 and represented the country in each of the last three CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments. He has spent ten professional seasons playing in Germany and the Netherlands, recording 225 appearances for Helmond Sport, Roda JC and FC Augsburg. He began his youth career with PSV Eindhoven.
Previously, de Jong has appeared with Sporting KC as an outside back. He was a member of the club on a trial basis last month during their preseason play in Arizona.
“I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to a great season with Sporting Kansas City,” de Jong said. “I hope that we can do well and achieve our goals.”
Sporting Kansas City finished last season with a 14-13-7 record and in fifth place in Eastern Conference. The team lost to the New York Red Bulls in the knockout round of the MLS Cup playoffs.
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Kansas City will start the 2015 season at home against the Red Bulls on Sunday.
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