Kellyn Acosta DOES NOT Sign with Sporting KC

It really felt like Sporting Kansas City had all its eggs in the Kellyn Acosta basket. If that is true, they are now left with egg on their face as it’s been reported that the Chicago Fire are signing Acosta. Kyle Bonagura of ESPN is reporting that Acosta is expected to undergo medicals today.

The Chicago Fire are finalizing a deal to sign #USMNT midfielder Kellyn Acosta, sources told ESPN. Acosta is with the team and was expected to undergo a medical today.

— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) February 7, 2024

Tom Bogert of The Athletic, also confirmed the Acosta signing is coming, backing up Bonagura’s reporting. He did conclude that “Sporting KC was the most serious other suitor.” In addition to interest from Chicago, Kansas City and the previously reported Colorado Rapids, there was apparently interest from English club Watford and Spanish side Granada.

It’s unlikely we ever hear from Sporting KC that they were interested in Acosta, at least not in an official capacity. But it will be interesting to see where the team goes from here. The team added $200,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) in a trade with Charlotte FC last week (and another $150k in 2025 GAM).

That, plus the open Designated Player (DP) spot means that Sporting KC have some room to spend. Despite that, the only whisper we’ve heard of a potential big spend was this Acosta rumor. There hasn’t been a single DP linked to the team since the news that Gadi Kinda was departing came out. That makes it seem increasingly likely that any big splash may not come until the summer if it comes at all. Either that, or the notoriously tight-lipped front office will surprise us all and make an announcement out of the blue.

A “Way Too Early” Sporting KC Depth Chart for 2024

The KC Soccer Journal will bring you more when we have it. Plus, we’ll take a further look at this roster in the coming days. Stay close soccer friends!