Sporting KC has remained active in the market and just added another piece to the attack. Right-winger Shapi Suleymanov, who was playing for Aris Thessaloniki, signed a contract through 2026 with an option to extend until 2028. The Russian, now 25, has played in Russia, Turkey, Israel, and Greece, and has played in the Champions League and Europa League.
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His arrival forms a part of an all-around attacking re-modification for the outfit known as Sporting KC, given that another talented name arrived earlier this term, Dejan Joveljić, previously treading with LA Galaxy; he's in midfield. His attacking position got one Manu García, from the Spanish division-a Spanish midfielder and one from the Aris himself. It brought into Sportiva three other options instead: Alan Pulido .
The Russian winger arrives with a record of 38 goals and 22 assists in 242 matches. His numbers show that he can be able to help the team in scoring and also in creating chances. At Sporting KC, another challenge is the adaptation to a league that is highly intensive and requires quick adaptation to different playing styles.
Having gone through international tournaments, he features in a small group of players who have been pitched against top opponents in both the Champions League and Europa League. That background can make the difference, especially in decisive moments.
He'll join, among others, Dániel Sallói, William Agada, and Erik Thommy in Sporting KC's attack, plus the two new recruits. Suleymanov is expected to appear on the wing serving Joveljić and creating with Manu García as the whole attacking unit could be more fluid and dangerous.
Is the Sporting KC attack now ready?
This formation will give him options to tinker with changes in formations to try different combinations of attack. For example, Joveljić can feature centrally, with García helping playmake and Suleymanov spreading it out wide-the movement among them could be just what Sporting KC needs to breach defenses that, more often than not, prefer to sit deep against them.
All of this, however, needs to work in practice. There is little time for adjustments, since the team will face major challenges right at the start of the season. First, on February 18, will be the Concacaf Champions Cup match against Inter Miami CF, and then on February 22, the MLS opener against Austin FC.
Will Sporting KC's gamble pay off?
The club didn't bring in new players just to fill spots but to raise the overall level of the team. Suleymanov has quality, Joveljić arrives with the expectation of being a goal-scorer, and Manu García can help organize the midfield. If the trio clicks, Sporting KC could be in the conversation for bigger things this season.
The first few weeks will tell if these changes make any difference. The team moved its pieces, and now it needs to make them work together. Fans are hoping for quick results.