MLS: Sporting Kansas City Acquires Paulo Nagamura from Chivas USA

Sporting Kansas City announced today that they have acquired Paulo Nagamura from Chivas USA. In return, the Goats will receive a first-round selection in the 2012 Supplemental Draft.

Nagamura has appeared in 99 matches for Chivas USA over the last five years, scoring 11 goals. In return for the 28-year-old Brazilian, Chivas USA will receive the first-round pick in the Supplemental Draft that was originally sent to Sporting KC last week in a trade for midfielder Ryan Smith.

Sporting KC retains their natural first-round selection in the Supplemental Draft, as well as the third-round pick in the Supplemental Draft, also acquired in the trade for Smith.

“Paulo Nagamura is a player within the League that we have watched and targeted for a few years,” Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes said in a press release. “We are happy that the timing has worked out, where we could acquire him from Chivas USA. His experience and leadership will be a valuable addition to Sporting Kansas City.”

In the same release, Nagamura said he was looking forward to next season.

“I am very excited to join Sporting Kansas City," Nagamura said. "I watched them the entire year during their run to the conference final and I’m happy to be part of the team, add depth to the midfield and fit right in. I will work 110 percent for the team to help reach our goal of winning championships.”

Born in Brazil, Nagamura began his career with Sao Paulo FC, moving to Arsenal as an 18-year-old in 2001. He helped Arsenal's under-19 squad to a league title in 2002.

Nagamura joined MLS in 2004, joining the Los Angeles Galaxy and making an immediate impact. He appeared in a total of 54 matches during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He played the entire 120 minutes of the Galaxy's MLS Cup win over the New England Revolution in 2005, also helping the club win that year's Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

In 2007, Toronto FC selected Nagamura in the Expansion Draft and then traded him to Chivas USA. He made 20 starts for the Goats in their push to an appearance in the 2007 MLS Cup playoffs, where they were eliminated by the then-Kansas City Wizards.

A player who can take on a number of roles in the midfield, Nagamura showed his versatility in 2008, being named Defender of the Year for Chivas USA. He was also nominated for recognition as an All-Star in 2009.

In January of 2010, Nagamura moved to Tigres of the Mexican top division before returning to Chivas USA during the 2010 season.