Shapi’s early form turns him from afterthought into bright spot for Sporting KC

Sporting Kansas City v Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/GettyImagesWhen Sporting Kansas City’s Mike Burns was offered Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov by Aris Thessaloniki before the 2025 MLS season, the club’s head of recruitment likely couldn’t believe his luck. He had gone to Aris to sign Spanish midfielder Manu Garcia. With talks going well for the transfer of Garcia, the chance to sign Shapi as part of the deal surfaced.

For a reported $2.6 million, Sporting KC were able to sign Shapi, a well-traveled wide attacking player, giving then-coach Peter Vermes another dynamic offensive option. Had Burns had time to mull over the deal, he may have reconsidered why Aris were eager to…