KANSAS CITY, Kan. (February 6, 2018)- Sporting KC have announced the signing of Felipe Gutierrez on a Designated Player deal. This is their second DP signing of the offseason.
Sporting KC Sign Felipe Gutierrez on a Designated Player Deal
Sporting KC have dove into the depths of their pockets like never before in this offseason’s transfer window. The addition of Yohan Croizet, Johnny Russell, and now Felipe Gutierrez all come at quite a cost. Gutierrez is just the latest addition as Sporting KC sets up their impending roster revamp.
Gutierrez is a well traveled midfielder who began his career with Universidad Catolica, one of the top clubs in the Chilean top flight. After a successful breakout spell in Chile, he moved to FC Twente. He has plenty of experience in the international game as well. He’s made appearances in the Copa America, as well as appearances in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup. In 2014 he made the jump to La Liga, but struggled to get consistent appearances with Real Betis. After going on loan with Internacional in Brazil, he had his contract cancelled with Betis. In stepped Sporting KC.
“The relationship started with my agent, around three months ago and there were things that they had to get together and they all came together,” said Gutierrez.
Peter Vermes sees him as a valuable asset to the midfield. “He can play anywhere in the midfield, which is great. We need a player like that. It’s easy to put someone as an 8 or a 10, it’s difficult to put someone as a 6 or an 8, or a 6 and a 10, but he can play all three which is fantastic,” said Vermes.
“You can say it about a lot of players that have been around, they have tremendous experience, but if there was a player who fits into our system, he is one of those guys. He is relentless in the way he goes after the ball, he’s got a great engine, can go up and down the field, really street smart on the field, so definitely a player who can have an impact on our team.”
Many Sporting KC supporters have been pining for a striker, and rightfully so. Last year’s team was in the bottom five for goals scored, despite having the best defensive record in the league. Their lack of goals hurt them in the long run. While they’ve added plenty on the wings and in the midfield, some are still wondering if they’ll get a striker. They should rest assured, Vermes doesn’t quite think the roster is complete yet.
“We’re getting there. I still think we have some more work to do, said Vermes.
But don’t rule out those other additions having a positive affect on the attackers they already have in place. “Some of the things that happened down in Arizona were impressive to me. I don’t want to get into specifics of it now, but there is a faster progression in certain areas that I didn’t think would come along as fast as they have, and certain guys that have come to the team.”
Despite that though, they still are looking to add a piece or two. “We’re Still working on a couple things. If they happen, great. They could happen within the window or it might take to the summer, but we’re still working on a few more things.”
Speaking of potential additions, former Sounders defender, Brad Evans has been training with the club, effective yesterday. Here is what Vermes had to say about him joining the team for training and going to Arizona with them:
“Brad is a free agent, he’s coming off of an injury from when he was in Seattle, but as a player that I’ve known for a long time, and spent a lot of time with leading up into the 2005 U-20 World Championship. I’ve always had a good relationship with him and I’m going to see if he can get back to full strength. If he can, I think he can be really useful for our club. One thing I know about him is that he’s an incredible competitor and he’s a great team guy, which it doesn’t hurt to add those things. He, and us, want to make sure that he’s able to give what he can based on health, and so far, so good.”
