Sporting Kansas City announced Friday that the club has agreed to transfer forward Krisztian Nemeth to Al-Gharafa SC in Qatar, pending a physical. Per MLS policy, Sporting Kansas City will receive two-thirds of the transfer fee.
“We wish Krisztian the best of luck and thank him for his valuable contributions to the club,” Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. “He is a talented player who made tremendous strides last year, including helping us win the (Lamar Hunt) U.S. Open Cup.”
Nemeth, 27, was named Sporting Kansas City’s Newcomer of the Year in 2015 and became the club’s first MLS Goal of the Year winner for his strike against the Portland Timbers on Oct. 3.
During his lone season in Kansas City, Nemeth returned to the Hungary Men’s National Team after receiving zero caps in 2014. He made eight of his 23 career appearances for the Magyars last year, scoring two goals as Hungary qualified for UEFA Euro 2016. The European Championship will run from June 10 – July 10 this summer.
Al-Gharafa SC, a seven-time domestic league champion, is currently eighth in the Qatar Stars League standings after finishing the 2014-15 campaign seventh out of 14 teams.
Nemeth’s transfer will open a Salary Budget Player spot and international slot on the Sporting Kansas City roster.
Sporting Kansas City’s 2016 preseason, presented by Children’s Mercy, began Sunday at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona. After competing in the Desert Diamond Cup from Feb. 14-27, the club will kick off its 21st MLS season on March 6 at Seattle Sounders FC.
