Sporting Kansas City fans have known all season that important attacker Kei Kamara was something less than a permanent roster emplacement for 2013. That successful loan spell this spring at Norwich had all the alarm bells ringing; it seemed quite likely that someone would make a run at Kamara, so big and determined, a perfect fit for England’s second tier or for the hard-trying teams destined for lower spots in the Premier League.
Well, they almost made it through FIFA transfer deadline day. Almost.
Reports out of England (beginning with the reputable BBC) say Kamara has become a late and serious Middlesbrough target. The move to England’s Championship side (second tier) would apparently be an outright purchase rather than a loan agreement as with Norwich.
There is cover around Sporting Park, but it’s “cover” with an asterisk. None of the replacement parts provides the blend of skill, speed, size and tenacity like Kamara. If playmaking midfielder Benny Feilhaber can play a commanding role, as he did Saturday in a win over Colorado, the adjustments come much easier. Feilhaber has been wildly inconsistent, however, since joining MLS last year.
Of course, there are medicals to conclude and last minute snags to be avoided, and time is short. So this could all fall through just as easily, leaving Kamara to pursue MLS Cup and Champions League ambitions at Sporting Park.
On the other hand, Sporting KC owner Robb Heineman already seems resigned to losing one of the fan favs around Sporting Park:
This is not easy, but sometimes in sports you have to make tough, unpopular decisions. This is one of those days. #skcnation
— Robb Heineman (@RobbHeineman) September 2, 2013
