Sporting Kansas City has signed defender Federico Bessone, the club announced on Friday. He will be added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa, and will occupy a senior international roster spot.
"He's a technical and experienced player who can play anywhere on the left side," said Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes.
Bessone, 29, was born in Córdoba, Argentina and moved to Lleida, Spain as a youth. He entered FC Barcelona’s La Masia Academy and signed his first professional contract with Barcelona C in 2003, playing alongside Lionel Messi.
He moved to RCD Espanyol B in 2005 and completed a loan at Club Gimnàstic de Tarragona in 2008 before joining Swansea City A.F.C. for the first of two stints in Wales, highlighted by his English Premier League debut in September 2011. Bessone would continue his career with English clubs Leeds United A.F.C., Charlton Athletic F.C., Swindon Town F.C. and most recently Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
“I've been training here for two weeks and the quality of the team is magnificent,” said Bessone. “I'm very happy to be here. The city is great, the people are so friendly and my teammates have been tremendous with me.”
Friday’s signing comes on the day of the MLS roster freeze deadline and all 30 positions will now be occupied on Sporting Kansas City’s official MLS roster upon Bessone’s addition. Per MLS roster rules, all 30 players are eligible for selection to each 18-player game-day squad during the MLS regular season and MLS Cup playoffs.
Transaction: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) signs defender Federico Bessone.
Federico Bessone (beh-SOHN-eh)
Position: Defender
Number: 23
Born: 1/23/84
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
Hometown: Lleida, Spain
Birthplace: Córdoba, Argentina
Citizenship: Argentina, Spain
Twitter: @FedeBessone
