Krisztian Nemeth in action for SKC
Photo Graham Green (Prost Amerika)
Krisztian Nemeth, pending a physical is moving to seven-time Qatar Stars League champion Al-Gharafa SC.
As per MLS policy Sporting Kansas City will receive two thirds of the transfer fee. The remainder goes to Major League Soccer. As per league policy, exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.
In a statement from Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes, “We wish Krisztian the best of luck and thank him for his valuable contributions to the club. He is a talented player who made tremendous strides last year including helping us win the US Open Cup.”
In just one season Nemeth earned himself quite a few accolades. In addition to the 2015 U.S. Open Cup title Krisztian was named Sporting Kansas City’s Newcomer of the Year and earned MLS Goal of the Year, a first in club history, for his goal against eventual MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers on October 3.
In addition to his achievements while at Sporting Nemeth returned to the Hungarian national team after a whole years absence. He made eight appearances in 2015 for the Magyars scoring two goals as Hungary qualified for the 2016 European Championships. This is their first major tournament since their appearance at the 1986 World Cup.
The press release also indicated the transfer will also open a Salary Budget Player spot and an international spot on the club’s roster.
As to my opinion about the move: this will mean that there are only two strikers on the books of the club and hopes were that young recently signed Homegrown player Daniel Salloi would spend 2016 on loan at Swope Park Rangers to gain more experience. The other striker is Dom Dwyer. In 2014, the team relied heavily on Dwyer and by end of the year, both the player and the team just looked gassed and in need of someone to alleviate the pressure.
Nemeth was played on the wing, the left normally. To fill that gap, Vermes will likely use one of the club’s most recent acquisitions: Justin Mapp or Brad Davis.
In all honesty this is a real kick in the teeth but when rumors were going about in the off season of Nemeth wanting more money. It was thought that if he proved himself during this summer’s Euros that he would go.
The timing is rather unfortunate but fact is that it has happened and now the club must prepare for the start of the season and start seeking a replacement wherever they can find one.
