Sporting KC signs Nigerian striker Agada. Another transfer signing could soon follow

In great need of additional front-line depth, Sporting Kansas City made a key acquisition on Thursday, acquiring Nigerian striker William Agada from Hapoel Jerusalem via transfer.

Agada’s transfer will become official when the secondary transfer window opens on July 7, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 visa. He signed a contract with Sporting KC that extends through the end of 2023, with options for 2024 and 2025.

“It’s a dream to play for a huge club like this,” Agada said during an interview with Sporting KC play-by-play broadcaster Nate Bukaty. “I pray I will come in and succeed and help the team.”

Sporting KC has also been eyeing winger Erik Thommy of Stuttgart. He’s played in nearly 100 games in the German Bundesliga, recording nine goals and 14 assists.

Born in Nigeria, Agada moved to Israel when he was 18. He recalled being nervous and anxious in the airport the first time he traveled abroad. His agent told him then to focus on his budding soccer career and good things would come.

At the time, Hapeol Jerusalem played in Israel’s second division. Agada scored 27 goals combined in his first two seasons before earning a move via loan to Hapoel Haifa of the Israeli first division for 2020-21.

Agada scored eight goals across all competitions, helping the team avoid relegation. Agada rejoined Hapoel Jerusalem when his initial team earned promotion to the Israeli first division. Agada scored another eight goals across all competitions, including three goals that were crucial in helping Hapoel Jerusalem escape relegation.

Agada said Sporting KC had been following him for nearly two years. He considers coming to Kansas City a dream move.

“Inside me, I never dreamed I would be going here,” he said.

Agada called himself a “smart” striker who finds space in the box, capitalizes and scores. He idolizes Didier Drogba for how he used his body.

Agada is the second player to come to Sporting KC from the Israeli Premier League, joining Gadi Kinda, who made the move from Beitar Jerusalem in 2020.

Agada recalled watching Kinda, who is currently out for the season with an injury, on television when Agada played in the second league.

“I was able to watch him play on TV,” Agada said. “He’s a nice guy, smart. Hopefully, we can make some good stuff together.”