Sporting KC Adds Left Back Depth Piece Zorhan Bassong

Sporting KC announced the signing of 24-year-old left-back Zorhan Bassong this morning. While not explicitly stated in the club’s announcement this appears to be a free agent signing so no transfer fee is required. He will occupy an international roster spot. He’s signed through 2024 with team held options for 2025 and 2026.

Player Background

Zorhan has had a full career for his relatively young 24 years of age. Born in Toronto, Canada he was involved in a number of youth clubs in Canada before moving to Belgium to join the Mouscron academy where he trained alongside fellow SKC left-back Logan Ndenbe.

At the professional level, he has had a two-year stint in MLS with CF Montreal as well as a few seasons in French football with Lille B. There is a smattering of other clubs whom he played short stints for as well.

There is some concern on my part given a number of those clubs mutually parted ways or let him leave on a free transfer. Overall, he has played significant minutes in his young career and should be well-versed in the rigors of the life of a pro footballer.

Where does he fit in SKC?

We saw the emergence of Logan Ndenbe over the 2023 season as a truly excellent left-back. This culminated in Ndenbe scoring two incredible goals during the playoffs before suffering a heartbreaking ACL tear that will leave him out for a good portion of 2024.

With Ndenbe’s injury, SKC needed a backup left-back alongside the capable Tim Leibold. My guess is that this is still Tim’s job to lose but competition is always good and it is nice to have cover for rotation or injury.

Final Thoughts

If he works out well and is on a reasonable contract, then I think he will be a largely unimpactful but smart signing. Also, since he was a free transfer if he does not work out the downside is low. Stay tuned for more offseason news right here at the Kansas City Soccer Journal!