Transfer Tracker

Sporting KC acquire Scottish winger Johnny Russell

Johnny Russell - Derby County - Close up

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Transfer


Sporting Kansas City have bolstered their attack, with the announcement on Wednesday of the transfer of Scottish winger Johnny Russell from Derby County FC. Russell has signed a three-year MLS contract, with an option for 2021.


The 27-year-old has spent most of his career to date with two teams, Derby County in the English Championship from 2013-18, making more than 200 competitive appearances for the Rams, and Dundee United, where he got his professional start in 2007 and made more than 100 appearances. Russell has also played for Scottish clubs Forfar Athletic and Raith Rovers on loan from Dundee United.


He is also a Scottish senior international, racking up four caps to date, including one 2016 European Championship qualifying match. Prior to that, he represented his country on the youth level.


"Johnny Russell is a player with good attacking qualities who we are excited to bring to Kansas City in the very near term," Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said in a statement. "We look forward to acclimating him to our club in preparation for the start of the season in just over a month. Sporting KC would also like to thank Mo Johnston, a former member of our club who was instrumental in helping make this acquisition possible."


Sporting KC open the 2018 MLS regular season on March 4 at home against New York City FC (7:30 pm ET | FS1).