In search of stronger defense, Sporting Kansas City adds new center back on loan

Clinging to hopes of competing for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference, Sporting Kansas City aims to bolster its chances — and its back line — through the secondary transfer window.

That work starts now.

Sporting announced Friday afternoon that the club has completed a deal to acquire Alan Montes, a center back from the Mexican club Necaxa, on a loan through the end of the 2025 season. That deal is pending a physical.

As is mandatory in Major League Soccer, the loan deal includes an option to buy the player’s rights after the season. Montes will occupy an international spot on the club’s senior roster. Montes, 24, has made 63 appearances with two of Mexico’s most prominent clubs: Necaxa and Monterrey. The native of Hermosillo, Mexico, came on strong with Necaxa in 2022 and made 59 appearances with Necaxa before seeming to fall out of favor with the new manager, Fernando Gago; his preferred play style doesn’t line up with Montes’ strengths.

Alan is the younger brother of Mexico National Team star center back Cesar Montes.

The loan-to-buy deal Montes arrives on is similar to that of Santiago Muñoz, whom Sporting KC acquired at the end of the primary window in April. Coincidentally, Muñoz and Montes share the same agent.

If Montes doesn’t work out, Sporting retains the flexibility to move on from him at the end of the season.

Flexibility is vital for Sporting going forward. With a looming decision on how to fill both the chief soccer officer role and the permanent managerial role, Sporting will have even more decisions to make on the roster and beyond this coming Winter.

Seventeen players either have options or are out of contract after this year. It’s conceivable that some will be brought back, and others won’t.

If Montes works out, Sporting can trigger a purchase option and keep him around for multiple years. But if not, Sporting can cut bait and go back into the market.

How Montes fits Sporting Kansas City

Standing at 6-foot-4, Montes is a powerful presence in the air, both in attack and defense. He has 10 career goals already as a defender.

He is also in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90 minutes and the 79th percentile for interceptions among centerbacks globally.

While he might not be the most adept passer, he is comfortable with the ball at his feet. He’ll bring a physical presence defensively that is much needed on the Sporting KC back line. Sporting is in the bottom third of the league for tackles won and tackles attempted, as well as the percentage of tackles won, which is fractionally above 50%.

And while the advanced stats are fun to look at and compare, the bottom line is that the back line needs to get better. The team has conceded 45 goals in 24 matches, just under an average of two goals per game.

Montes arrived in Kansas City late Thursday night and has received his medical exam. The club will introduce him at a press conference Monday.

Given that he’s already experienced a preseason with Necaxa, there’s a good chance he’s available for matches sooner rather than later.

Sporting has 10 games remaining in the regular season and returns to action August 8 at Children’s Mercy Park against San Diego FC.

Daniel Sperry covers soccer for The Star. He can be reached at sperry.danielkc@gmail.com.

This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM.