Sporting Kansas City has secured the signing of 28-year-old Spanish center back Joaquin Fernandez. He has committed to an MLS contract that extends through 2025 and will occupy an international roster spot.
Key Details about Joaquin Fernandez:
– **Position**: Defender (can also play as a defensive midfielder)
– **Height**: 6’3″
– **Career Appearances**: Over 300 in 12 years, including 85 in La Liga with Real Valladolid.
– **Most Recent Club**: Trabzonspor (Turkey) — made 17 appearances, contributing to a third-place finish in the Super Lig.
Career Highlights:
– **Youth Academy**: UD Almeria, debuted with Almeria B at 16.
– **La Liga Journey**: Promoted to Almeria’s first team in 2015, played for Real Valladolid from 2018-2023.
– Scored first La Liga goal in 2019; recorded career-high 27 appearances in 2022-23, including a goal against Celta Vigo.
– Last match with Valladolid was a notable victory over FC Barcelona.
– **International Experience**: Represented Spain U-16, U-17, and U-18.
Joaquin joins Sporting during MLS’s secondary transfer window, which runs until the end of the day on Wednesday.
**Vitals**:
– **Birthdate**: May 31, 1996
– **Weight**: 180 lbs
– **Hometown**: Huercal de Almeria, Spain
– **Previous Club**: Trabzonspor (Turkish Super Lig)
– **Instagram**: @joaquinfdez
– **Number**: 12
