LOS ANGELES — After declining the contract option for the Spaniard, former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Ilie Sanchez is headed to LAFC.

The 31-year-old Barcelona native spent five seasons with Sporting KC, helping the club win a U.S. Open Cup championship in 2017 and being named a MLS All-Star in 2018.

The La Masia product scored seven regular season goals with Kansas City and provided 12 regular season assists in 144 appearances.

In 2021, Ilie had a career-high pass percentage of 88.6%.

“Ilie is a player I have long admired not only for his ability on the field but also for his character and professionalism, which make him a great fit for us,” said John Thorrington, LAFC Co-President and General Manager. “We trust these qualities will help LAFC in our commitment to winning on and off the field for years to come.”

Ilie signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles-based club with a club option for the 2024 season.