Kansas City, MO (June 29th, 2017) – Sporting KC have made a couple roster moves in the last 24 hours. The main goal was adding the services of Spanish Midfielder, Cristian Lobato.
Sporting KC Acquire Services of Spanish Midfielder, Cristian Lobato
Sporting Kansas City have landed the services of Spanish midfielders, Cristian Lobato. The 28 year old comes on a transfer from Gimnastic de Tarragona, a club that mainly makes its home in the Spanish Segunda Division.
Lobato spent some of his youth career with Barcelona, and Hospitalet, another Catalonian Club. He spent a few years with the Hospitalet senior team, scoring only four goals for the club. His move to Barcelona B in 2011 was his most prolific time, scoring 8 goals in the three seasons. Conveniently, Lobato was teammates with Sporting midfielder, Ilie Sanchez. He spent 2014 with Osasuna, scoring no goals in 12 appearances. After wasting with Asteras Tripoli in 2015, he moved to Tarragona where he made 45 appearances since joining them in ’15.
Lobato brings to the table a host of versatility, with the ability to play in the midfield, as well as the front three as well. His versatility is something Peter Vermes absolutley loves in players, with the ability to craft a lineup and put the best possible Starting XI together.
According to the Sporting KC press release, he will hold an international roster spot when the window opens on July 10th. This means the first match he’d be available for is the July 11th, Open Cup Quarterfinal against FC Dallas.
It seems like this will be a depth signing, as the first choice lineup for Peter Vermes is pretty clear. However, with the further Sporting KC go in the Open Cup, plus the absences of a few of their key players on International duty this summer, that will certainly open up the window for playing time.
His roster spot was cleared up by the waiver of Igor Juliao. Juliao was in his second stint with the club, but couldn’t really find playing time due to the presence and ability of Saad Abdul-Salaam.
