Sporting KC made their first roster move of the summer transfer window today, announcing the signing Bosnian center back/left back, Neven Markovic. At the same time, the team announced that they were waiving supplemental draft pick Shawn Singh, who had signed earlier this season. Markovic comes to Kansas City from Greek club, Doxa Drama. He has also played in Croatia and Romania as well.
Markovic fills a need that I've said since the end of last season, and that's center back depth, although Markovic can also play as a left back per the team. Based off his comments in the press release, you could guess that Markovic wasn't always getting his pay check on time when he said "I like it here because MLS is so organized.... All I have to worry about is playing on the field.” That would certainly seem to point to off the field issues, and Greece's economic issues are pretty well known now.
Markovic could also become a fan favorite fairly quickly in the same vein as Aurelien Collin as a guy willing to fight for the team. And a guy that will become an annoyance to opposing teams. In another article on MLS about him, he said of his game "I’m good in defense, I’m good in passing, I’m good in – how to explain – punching guys.”
Partnering Markovic with Collin could be a fairly intimidating center back pairing if he's has physical as he makes himself out to be. It will be interesting to see what role if any he really plays. The last player KC brought from the Greek area never appeared for KC, Nikos Kounenakis.
Singh leaves Kansas City having never made a first team appearance for the club. He played in 4 reserve league matches, starting 3 of them and totally 244 minutes.
Here is Markovic as well as some highlights.
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