Johnny Russell signs extension with Sporting Kansas City

Sporting Kansas City has re-signed captain and forward Johnny Russell to a new contract through 2023 with an option for 2024, the club announced on Friday. 

Russell first joined the Western Conference team from Championship side Derby County on January 31 2018. The player originally signed a three-year contract with an option for 2021. 

Since joining, the forward has recorded 35 goals and 37 assists in 120 appearances across all competitions. He has helped Sporting finish atop the Western Conference standings in 2018 and 2020, with the club now in contention to secure first place for the third time in four seasons.

“We loved that he was just so dangerous with his ability to single-handily have an impact and change the game," said head coach Peter Vermes. "He could eliminate defenders off the dribble. Everybody thinks there’s a lot of guys who can do it, but it’s a skill, it’s an art. Those two things were eye-catching.”

“What I didn’t know was how great of a personality he had and the leadership qualities that I’m not sure he even knew he had," Vermes added.

Sporting Kansas City players also expressed their appreciation for the captain. Forward Khiry Shelton, in particular, detailed the impact Russell has on and off the pitch. 

“On the field, he does what Johnny does," forward Khiry Shelton said of the 31-year-old. "He makes plays happen, which trickles into the team. It’s just amazing what he does. I’m happy he’s staying for longer, I’m excited. He’s his own person, he knows himself. He’s established himself in that leader role. Everyone looks up to him. They feed off his energy.”

Russell’s debut season saw him become the fourth Kansas City player to hit 10 goals and 10 assists in a single regular season after finishing the year with 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, earning team Offensive Player of the Year accolades. 

Russell was again named Sporting's Offensive Player of the Year in 2019, tallying nine goals and 11 assists and helping the team advance to the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions League for the first time ever.

The team is currently in second place of the Western Conference with 49 points in 27 games, one victory behind first place New England Revolution.