The revelation that a former Scotland striker is now available on the free agent market may have Scottish football clubs sitting up and paying note.
After the Missouri team decided not to extend his contract at the end of the 2024 season, Johnny Russell, who had played for Sporting Kansas City in the Major League Soccer league for the previous seven years, was released.
With 67 goals and 39 assists in 232 games for Sporting, ranking third in the team’s all-time scoring list, Russell undoubtedly left his imprint across the pond. He also held the position of captain.
The 34-year-old was cut after the team had its second-worst season ever, finishing 13th in the Western Conference and 19 points outside of the postseason spots.
Sporting’s official X account confirmed Russell’s departure, writing: “You inspired generations on and off the pitch, making you our ninth captain in club history.” Johnny, thank you very much for everything.
“Salutation to the Sporting KC LEGEND Johnny Russell, always a pleasure,” was another homage sent by MLS’s own account.
Russell, who has played for Scotland 14 times, most recently in 2019, and scored once in a 2-0 victory against San Marino on the road, is probably going to get offers from home as he thinks about his next move.
After successful loan stints at Forfar Athletic and Raith Rovers, he made his debut with Dundee United as a young player, tallying 45 goals in 121 games for the Tannadice club.
Before moving to America in January 2018, he scored 34 goals in 203 English Championship games since joining Derby County in the summer of 2013.
Other Scots who established prosperous careers in the United States have recently returned to the SPFL. Former Colorado Rapids players Danny Wilson and Sam Nicholson are currently playing for Livingston and Motherwell, respectively, while Gary Mackay-Steven, who briefly played for New York City FC, is currently with Kilmarnock.
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