TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
Benny Feilhaber is coming home. Sporting Kansas City have traded for the midfielder from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for Abdul Rwatubyaye, a 2019 international roster spot, $50,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and Sporting's natural second round pick in the 2020 Superdraft. Feilhaber will serve as Sporting's season-ending injury replacement player for Rodney Wallace. Colorado will retain the player's 2019 salary budget charge less the $250,000 of salary budget relief afforded to Sporting for a season-ending injury replacement player. The clubs announced the trade on Wednesday.
Feilhaber, 34, spent five seasons with SKC between 2013-17, making 150 appearances, winning MLS Cup in 2013 as well as two MLS Open Cups (2015, 2017).
“This transaction allows us to accumulate and reallocate significant assets toward younger, dynamic, high potential players who are committed to our club and our project," said Rapids EVP & general manager, Padraig Smith in a statement. "We are pleased to welcome Abdul to Colorado. He is a player with big talent and a lot of upside who we are excited to see develop with us.”
The former US international enjoyed his most productive seasons under Peter Vermes, including career highs in goals (10) and assists (15) in 2015. He departed for LAFC last season before signing with the Colorado Rapids this winter, making nine appearances this season as the Rapids remain bottom of the Western Conference.
Rwatubyaye, 22, joined SKC this winter from Rwandan club Rayon Sports FC and has made 22 appearances with the Rwandan national team. He appeared twice in MLS play for SKC, including one start.
