The upcoming transfer window is becoming more and more important each day. The two needs heading into the World Cup break were a center back and a defensive midfielder at the very least for Sporting Kansas City, the defending MLS champions. Now it looks like signing a quality CB might not be just a need any more, it may become a requirement. Sporting staff promised to be open about team activities after the loss of Roger Espinoza to Wigan and they are following through with the reports of interest in defender Matt Besler.
Several European clubs are interested in signing the Overland Park native, and unless the front office can work some magic and the city can pull on some heart strings and improve his contract, Besler may be leaving home. Besler's excellent showing in Brazil has changed him from potential target to a real priority for some European clubs. With the losses of Opara and Myers to season ending injuries, the loss of another defensive star would not favor the defending MLS Cup Champs. Center back has to be the number one target by Sporting now. Eric Palmer-Brown isn't quite ready for the day in and day out grind of MLS quite yet. Lawrence Olum and Kevin Ellis are both dual position players and a true CB will be desperately needed if Besler leaves and a great pick up if he stays.
To add to the turmoil, Sporting is also receiving offers for midfielder Graham Zusi. This potential sale doesn't seem to be generating the hype that Besler's does, it would still be a big loss and a tough role to fill. Sporting has done well during Zusi's absence, but there is definitely something missing in the attack without his presence. Without the heroics of Dom Dwyer, SKC would not be leading the Eastern Conference as the national team players return. Last week, Alex Martinez was released and replaced by Mikey Lopez who has yet to log an MLS minute yet this season. Losing Zusi after the loss of Rosell would leave this team very thin in the middle.
The next name on the list has to be Dom Dwyer. The young English stud has impressed in his last two years in the States. Through just a partial season, he won the Golden Boot in USL Pro and earned consistent minutes in MLS. He is currently tied for the league lead in goals scored with Bradley Wright-Phillips and Erick Torres. It is fairly well known that the up and coming star wants to go play in England before his career is over. This summer could see the Englishman's exit. Although no rumors have surfaced, the interest can't be denied.
But it is not all bad news in Kansas City. President Robb Heineman tweeted today that a signing is on the way for the transfer window and the only clue was that it was not a Designation Player. Some speculation has centered on Honduras international holding midfielder Jorge Claros.
By far the biggest story of the transfer window in where USA national team superstar Jermaine Jones will end up. After his stellar World Cup performances, every fan base in MLS is drooling over the idea of "JJ" joining their squad. Sporting is the only club with rumors circulating about Jones joining this summer, but those were quickly shot down by both Heineman and manager Peter Vermes. The claim is that no contact has been made, but when has Sporting ever been up front and open with potential incoming transfers?
On a side note, it looks like Middlesbrough and former SKC starter, Kei Kamara, have had a bit of a falling out. While a return to MLS is doubtful, the Sierra Leone striker had expressed an interest in returning to Kansas City.