Announced today, LAFC signs midfielder Ilie Sánchez to a two-year contract
LAFC signs midfielder Ilie Sánchez, a 31-year-old free agent that was a 2018 MLS All-Star. Sánchez has extensive experience in the MLS as well as professional leagues in Spain and Germany. LAFC brings him on board with a two-year contract with a club option for the 2024 season.
Midfielder Ilie Sánchez spent five seasons with Sporting Kansas City and was named the team’s 2018 Club MVP. Sánchez has been a standout performer in the MLS since his debut in 2017, making 33 starts and helping Sporting KC win the US Open Cup Championship in his first season. Sánchez made 171 appearances while scoring 11 goals and adding 13 assists across all competitions. In 2019, he was named Humanitarian of the Year by Sporting KC.
Sporting Kansas City acquired the Barcelona native in 2017 from TSV Munich 1860. Sánchez already had eight years of professional experience in Spanish and German football. In 1998, he joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy and spent two years at La Masia. Before returning to La Masia in 2007, he continued to develop with local clubs U.E. Catalonia, P.B. Colibanc, and U.E Cornellá.
LAFC signs midfielder Ilie Sánchez after transferring Eduard Atuesta to Brazil’s Palmiera just a few weeks back. Sanchez helps fill the club’s need for a deep-lying midfielder after Atuesta’s departure. “Ilie is a player I have long admired not only for his ability on the field but also for his character and professionalism, which make him a great fit for us,” stated LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington. “We trust these qualities will help LAFC in our commitment to winning on and off the field for years to come.”
After the news broke that LAFC signs midfielder Ilie Sánchez, the Black & Gold now have a proven MLS commodity on their roster as they try to rebound from missing the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs last season. The 2022 season will be the first season under new head coach Steve Cherundolo, who took charge after Bob Bradley left for Toronto FC.
