Sporting Kansas City had to wait a year for Jorge Claros, after negotiations with his former club fell through last summer. This time around, there was nothing to keep them from signing the Honduran midfielder and new World Cup veteran, as they look to bolster the midfield corps heading into the start of CONCACAF Champions League play.
Claros was out of contract with Honduran side Motagua when he signed with Sporting on Wednesday, along with Filipino international Martin Steuble from Swiss side Wil 1900.
“We were trying to work a transfer with his club, but it was changing all the time,” Vermes told reporters in a conference call on Wednesday night. “So we had to pull away from it. He wanted to come here as well, so it worked out well. He was free right at the end of May, he was on a free [transfer], so we worked out a deal and we landed him.”
Claros would be available for selection in Saturday's home match against the LA Galaxy, but Vermes said he was looking more toward next month's start of CONCACAF Champions League play. Sporting open 2014-15 competition on Aug. 19 at Nicaragua's Real Esteli.
“He's coming off the World Cup, and I think they had a very, very tough leadup to the World Cup in regards to their training,” Vermes said. “So we've got to spend a little time with him over these next three to four weeks to get him ready for the Champions League and the rest of the season.”
Steuble has not yet joined the club, but Vermes said he also expected him to work into the side by the beginning of CCL group competition.
“Both guys, I think, will fit into us pretty quickly,” Vermes said. “Claros is more a defensive midfielder, and Martin Steuble is more a player like a No. 8 or No. 10. He can play those advanced positions in the midfield. He's got a very, very good work rate, and he's a guy that I think will adapt pretty quickly to our team. I think both guys are very good additions.”
Steve Brisendine covers Sporting Kansas City for MLSsoccer.com.
