Sporting KC signs international defender Marcel de Jong
Marcel de Jong’s spot on the Sporting Kansas City roster is official.
Two weeks after de Jong joined the team for its preseason camp, Sporting KC reached an agreement with the Canadian men’s national team defender Monday, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and P-1 Visa.
De Jong appeared in four preseason matches with Sporting KC in Tucson, Ariz., over the team’s second phase of training camp. He played left outside back, and signs point to him pushing Seth Sinovic for the starting position when the club open its season Sunday against New York.
“We continue to look to add experience in the players joining our roster,” Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes said in a news release. “Marcel’s time in the German Bundesliga and with the Canadian men’s national team will bring excellent experience to the team.”
De Jong, 28, has made 31 appearances with the national team. He has played in 225 games across 10 professional seasons in the Netherlands and Germany.
To reach Sam McDowell, call 816-234-4869 or send email to smcdowell@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @SamMcDowell11.
This story was originally published March 2, 2015 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Sporting KC signs international defender Marcel de Jong."