New York City FC have traded forward Khiry Shelton in exchange for Sporting KC defender, Saad Abdul-Salaam.
Shelton, 24, was NYCFC’s first-ever MLS SuperDraft pick, joining the club as the no.2 overall pick ahead of the inaugural season in January 2015.
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Khiry went on to make 54 Regular Season appearances over the course of his three years in New York, scoring six goals and contributing ten assists.
Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said: “Khiry was NYCFC’s first ever draft pick in 2015 and was part of many memorable moments of our club.
“He was well-liked by everyone connected to the club and had a committed and professional attitude throughout the three seasons in New York.
“On behalf of everyone at NYCFC, we wish Khiry all the very best with the next chapter of his career.”
Head Coach Patrick Vieira said: “We just want to wish him good luck. Khiry will always be a symbol and an important figure in this football club because he was the first player we took in the draft. We wish him good luck in a new chapter in his career.
“I hope that he learned a lot in his time with New York City and that will help him go forward in his career.”
Abdul-Salaam, 26, was picked up by Sporting KC in the same 2015 SuperDraft as the 12th overall pick.
Abdul-Salaam said: “I’m just excited to get to NYCFC. I didn’t know about the trade until this morning. It’s big news. Going forward, I’m really excited just to play in front of these fans and to get to know Patrick and the coaching staff and my new teammates.
“The goal is to continue to push for MLS Cup with NYCFC. I know the team has been successful the past two years and I’m hoping I can add to it and add some trophies along the way.
“Playing in Yankee Stadium is really cool – the overall atmosphere carries the game, and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Vieira said: “Abdul-Salaam is an experienced player in this league and he’s coming to our team hungry for success.
“I’m really happy to have added another quality player who can help the team to be successful.”
A tall, athletic right-back, Saad has played 64 times in three seasons for KC and was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 after completing six assists – a league-high for a defender.
Reyna added: “Saad is a committed, athletic defender who can also get into the final third and create chances for our attacking players.
“Saad is coming into the prime of his career with good MLS experience over the last few seasons. In 2016, he was voted defensive MVP for Sporting KC and we are very happy and excited to have him join the club.”
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Everyone at NYCFC would like to thank Khiry for his service over the past three years and wish him well at his new club.
