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Sporting Kansas City make big move in signing former Parma, AC Milan midfielder

By Kristian Dyer

Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes got a versatile central midfielder on Thursday. (Photo credit should read ROCIO VAZQUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes got a versatile central midfielder on Thursday. (Photo credit should read ROCIO VAZQUEZ/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Sporting Kansas City signs Italian youth international

Jose Mauri is a member of Sporting Kansas City, the midfielder with Serie A experience coming to MLS. The free transfer was officially announced by Sporting Kansas City on Thursday afternoon.

The move sees Mauri, who has played for the U16 and U17 Italian national team, join a Sporting Kansas City side that has legitimate aspirations for the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup this year.

The player is also eligible for the Argentine national team.

Mauri comes from Talleres in Argentina’s top flite where he played in 19 matches since signing with the club in 2019. He has extensive experience in Serie A where he has played for the likes of Parma before moving on to AC Milan and then Empoli.

Sporting Kansas City lands a versatile midfield cog

A central midfielder, he can play as a traditional box-to-box player or in a deep-lying role. He appears most comfortable as more of a No. 8 with his ability to win the ball and quickly transition the midfield while the opposition is stretched out. It will be interesting to see what Sporting Kansas City does with a player of this wide-ranging ability.

For Sporting Kansas City, the addition of Mauri, who at 25-years old has experience in two of the best leagues in the world, is a transformational signing for the club. The ability of Mauri to cover ground in head coach Peter Vermes’ system will be key, as will his dynamic ability to pass between the lines and spring runners into the final third.

He also has the ability to switch the ball effectively as well.

On Wednesday night, Mauri’s new club pulled out a most impressive 4-1 win at Los Angeles FC. The win continues the club’s strong push through the first half of the season as they sit tied atop the Western Conference on 33 points with a 10-4-3 record.

The Seattle Sounders also have 33 points. The New England Revolution are atop the table with 37 points.

Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex’ on Twitter @KristianRDyer

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