Sporting Kansas City announced Wednesday that it has brought in defender Emir Karic from Austrian side Sturm Graz, adding an experienced presence to its backline.
Karic, 29, agreed to a two-year deal running through the 2027-28 season, with the club holding an option for the following year. The Austrian left back will fill an international roster spot on the MLS squad.
Over the course of his professional career in Austria and Germany, Karic has accumulated seven goals and 21 assists across 343 appearances.
SKC general manager David Lee expressed enthusiasm about the addition, saying, “Emir is a very experienced left back at a fantastic age that will be able to make an immediate impact on our roster. With over 300 senior matches in his career, he has gained valuable experience in both the German Bundesliga and European competition.”
Lee continued, “He has good technical traits and excellent physical attributes that will fit into our team and style of play. … We are delighted that Emir really wanted to be a part of the club and we are pleased that he is joining us before we start the second half of the campaign.”
In the most recent season, Karic contributed five assists in 44 outings for Sturm Graz, who were involved in UEFA Champions League qualifying as well as the UEFA Europa League.
Sporting KC is set to resume play on July 16 at St. Louis City FC following the FIFA World Cup break.
