The winter MLS exodus is in full swing and Kei Kamara has joined the crop of MLS players heading to Europe this off-season.
Sporting Kansas City has loaned Kamara to Norwich City, with the deal including a purchase option that could see Kamara leave MLS for good. If Norwich City passes on buying Kamara outright, Kamara could return to Sporting KC as early as May 6th. The deal is contingent on Kamara securing a work permit.
“It is a very bittersweet day as I am excited to achieve one of my goals, which was to play in the EPL,” Kamara said in a statement released by Sporting KC. “Being such a positive person, I trust in this decision and am thankful for the opportunity to play at Norwich City through the end of their season. I am grateful for the coaching staff at Sporting KC and especially Peter (Vermes) for believing in me and helping me through this process.”
The loan deal secures Sporting KC some valuable allocation money the team can use to place Kamara, who enjoyed a career year in 2012 with 11 goals and eight assists.
“Our club continues to get a lot of attention throughout Europe,” Sporting Kansas City head coach Peter Vermes said. “As we do with all of our decisions, we always think about the long-term impact on our organization, as well as the short-term. Ultimately, this opportunity allows us to re-invest back into the club and solidify our core group of players.
“We understand that players are going to be sought after and that players aspire to fulfill personal and professional ambitions. We want to continue to help them achieve those goals and this helps us accomplish that objective, along with extending his contract. We have a very strong roster and this enables another player to step up.”
Kamara joins Roger Espinoza as Sporting KC players making the move to the English Premier League this winter. Espinoza joined Wigan Athletic on a free transfer and recently enjoyed a Man of the Match performance for the Latics in his Premier League debut.
Kamara joins a Norwich City side currently in 13th place in the EPL, six points clear of the relegation zone.
What do you think of this move? See Kamara doing well in the Premier League? Think Sporting KC can still win the Eastern Conference without him?
Share your thoughts below.