Sporting KC acquire D Emir Karic from Austrian club

Sporting Kansas City acquired defender Emir Karic from Austria's Sturm Graz, the MLS club announced Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Austrian left back signed a two-year contract through the 2027-28 season with a club option for 2028-29. He will occupy an international roster slot.

Karic has seven goals and 21 assists in 343 professional appearances in his career across Austria and Germany.

"Emir is a very experienced left back at a fantastic age that will be able to make an immediate impact on our roster," SKC general manager David Lee said. "With over 300 senior matches in his career, he has gained valuable experience in both the German Bundesliga and European competition.

"He has good technical traits and excellent physical attributes that will fit into our team and style of play. ... We are delighted that Emir really wanted to be a part of the club and we are pleased that he is joining us before we start the second half of the campaign."

Bringing European experience to our defense ??

We've signed left back Emir Karic from Austrian club Sturm Graz to a two-year contract. pic.twitter.com/OEKuDmW9kz

— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) June 24, 2026

Karic recorded five assists in 44 matches in 2025-26 as Sturm Graz competed in UEFA Champions League qualifying and the UEFA Europa League.

Sporting KC will return from the FIFA World Cup break on July 16 at St. Louis City FC.

--Field Level Media