Sporting KC signs Andre Luiz in record deal

Sporting Kansas City announced the signing of 24-year-old Brazilian forward Andre Luiz from Olympiacos on a club-record transfer, with a five-year MLS contract through the 2030-31 season and a designation as a Designated Player. The deal reportedly totals around $18 million with additional add-ons, making Luiz the fifth Designated Player Sporting KC has signed since 2018. He will occupy an international roster slot while awaiting his P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate. Luiz arrives after a breakout European season with Rio Ave in Portugal and a subsequent stint with Olympiacos in Greece, where he contributed to a strong season before moving to MLS. Club officials, led by president of soccer operations and general manager David Lee, described him as a dynamic, pacey attacker who fits Sporting KC’s plan to add high-quality players in their prime years. The transfer underscores Sporting KC’s ongoing roster rebuild under owner Peter Mallouk and head coach Raphael Wicky as they pursue a return to the MLS Cup Playoffs.