Sporting Kansas City announced offseason roster moves on Thursday, with some key player departures. SKC has declined 2025 contract options for Robert Castellanos, Ozzie Cisneros, Danny Flores and Chris Rindov. Defender Andreu Fontas plans on retiring at 35 years of age. He is one of four players not returning to the club next season with Tim Melia, Johnny Russell and Remi Walter the others included.
Jake Davis, Joaquin Fernandez, Tim Leibold, Alan Pulido, John Pulskamp, Nemanja Radoja, Dany Rosero, Daniel Salloi, Khiry Shelton, Erik Thommy and Alenis Vargas are all have guaranteed contracts and will play during the 2025 season.
Sporting KC’s current roster after Thursday’s announcement:
Goalkeepers (2): John Pulskamp, Ryan Schewe
Defenders (6): Joaquin Fernandez, Tim Leibold, Logan Ndenbe, Dany Rosero, Khiry Shelton, Robert Voloder
Midfielders (5): Zorhan Bassong, Jake Davis, Nemanja Radoja, Memo Rodriguez, Erik Thommy
Forwards (5): Stephen Afrifa, William Agada, Alan Pulido, Daniel Salloi, Alenis Vargas
Mike Burns, SKC’s Sporting Director spoke with media on Friday, following the release of the offseason moves, saying the two words he is hopeful for in the upcoming season, those words being “optimism” and “opportunity”. Burns and Vermes met with ownership to discuss where they needed more “horsepower” within the club and front office. The addition of Assistant Sporting Director, scouting additions (domestic and international) and analytics. Mike, Peter, and SKC ownership are very excited about the moves and additions that they are bringing in for the upcoming season and future. “Without question, our primary focus is a [number] 10,” Burns said Friday. A number 10 player, meaning one of the best on the pitch at any given time. Number 10 has been worn by Pele, Messi and other soccer greats.
Sporting Kansas City has a shorter offseason, with their Concacaf Champions Cup qualification. That drawing for matches is on December 10th. Sporting wants players signed before mid-January, incase they do play in an earlier window.
MLS offseason schedule:
Monday, Dec. 9: MLS Half-Day Trade Window (8 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT)
Tuesday, Dec. 10: Concacaf Champions Cup Draw (6 p.m. CT)
Wednesday, Dec. 11: MLS Expansion Draft for San Diego FC (time TBD)
Dec. 11-14: College Showcase in San Diego
Thursday, Dec. 12: Free Agency begins (12 p.m. CT)
Thursday, Dec. 12: End-of-Year Waivers (4 p.m. CT)
Friday, Dec. 13: MLS Re-Entry Draft Stage 1 (12 p.m. CT)
Thursday, Dec. 19: MLS Re-Entry Draft Stage 2 (12 p.m. CT)
Friday, Dec. 20: MLS SuperDraft 2025 presented by adidas (time TBD)
