TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Sporting Kansas City have acquired winger Shapi Suleymanov from Greek Super League side Aris Thessaloniki, the club announced Monday. He is under contract through 2026 with options from 2027-28.
The 25-year-old former Russian youth international has played across Europe for FC Krasnodar (Russia), Giresunspor (Turkey), Hapoel Be'er Sheva (Israel) and Aris (Greece).
In 242 first-team appearances, Suleymanov has amassed 38g/22a. He's played extensively in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
At Sporting KC, Suleymanov joins two new Designated Players – striker Dejan Joveljić (trade with LA Galaxy) and midfielder Manu GarcĂa (transfer from Aris Thessaloniki) – as key newcomers in the final third.
Those additions follow DP striker Alan Pulido being transferred to Mexico's Chivas Guadalajara and winger Johnny Russell's contract expiring. DĂ¡niel SallĂ³i, William Agada and Erik Thommy are key returners in the final third.
SKC's 2025 campaign begins on Feb. 22 at Austin FC (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). In the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, their Round One series with Inter Miami CF begins on Feb. 18.
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