Sporting Kansas City made it official on Wednesday, announcing that they’ve re-signed midfielder Benny Feilhaber to a new contract through the 2018 season.
The news was first reportedon Monday byESPN FC’s Jeff Carlisle, who reported that Feilhaber will make between $500,000 and $600,000 annually, and confirmed on Tuesday byThe Kansas City Star’s Sam McDowell, who wrote that the deal is for two years and that Feilhaber won’t count as a Designated Player.
Feilhaber, 31, just completed his fourth year with SKC. He recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 30 regular season appearances this year, and has 24 goals and 38 assists in regular season action with Sporting.
“It’s been our intention all along to do everything we can to re-sign Benny,” Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said in a statement released by the club. “We appreciate the professionalism that he and his agent have shown throughout the process and are very excited that he is coming back to our club. Benny has been an important part of the club’s success over the past four years and we look to continue that moving forward.”
ESPN FC reported in September that Feilhaber was in “advanced discussions” to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club, which was reported by other outlets to be Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Carlisle reported on Monday that Feilhaber had a verbal agreement in place to join Be’er Sheva in January, but that Kansas City “significantly” increased their offer two weeks ago to keep the creative midfielder in MLS.
A key member of the Sporting teams that won MLS Cup in 2013 and the US Open Cup in 2015, Feilhaber has been one of MLS’s most productive players over the last two seasons. His 45 combined goals and assists since the start of 2015 rank fifth in the league and second among midfielders.
“My family and I are very happy to be staying in Kansas City,” Feilhaber said in the statement. “I have always loved playing in front of our fans and for this city. It’s very exciting to be able to stay here for another two years to help this club win more trophies."
