Sporting Kansas City acquired winger Khiry Shelton in a trade with New York City FC Thursday.
NYCFC will receive defender Saad Abdul-Salaam in exchange for Shelton.
“Khiry is a player whose intangibles always stood out to us, even as we had followed him from early in his college years,” said Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes in a statement released by the club.
“We look forward to bringing him (Shelton) to Kansas City and are enthusiastic to see him on the field during preseason, which is just over a month away. Sporting KC also thanks Saad for his three years of service, and we wish him the best of luck in New York.”
Shelton, 24, spent the last three seasons in New York, being the franchise’s first-ever MLS SuperDraft pick at number two in 2015, and scoring six goals in 54 appearances.
“This is a great opportunity presented by Sporting Kansas City, and I am excited for a new challenge in 2018,” Shelton said. “I also want to thank New York City FC for their support over the past three seasons.”
“Khiry was NYCFC’s first ever draft pick in 2015 and was part of many memorable moments of our club,” said NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna.
“He was well-liked by everyone connected to the club and had a committed and professional attitude throughout the three seasons in New York. On behalf of everyone at NYCFC, we wish Khiry all the very best with the next chapter of his career.”
Abdul-Salaam, 26, was selected 12th overall in the same draft as Shelton, making 78 appearances for Sporting KC since 2015.
“I’m just excited to get to NYCFC. I didn’t know about the trade until this morning. It’s big news. Going forward, I’m really excited just to play in front of these fans and to get to know Patrick and the coaching staff and my new teammate,” said Abdul-Salaam in a statement released by NYCFC.
“The goal is to continue to push for MLS Cup with NYCFC. I know the team has been successful the past two years and I’m hoping I can add to it and add some trophies along the way. Playing in Yankee Stadium is really cool – the overall atmosphere carries the game, and I just can’t wait to get started.”