New England acquires under fire Kei Kamara for bevy of money, picks

Kei Kamara’s outburst in Columbus this weekend was apparently a tipping point for his time in Ohio, as the Crew shipped him off to New England on Thursday.

The 10-year veteran has 79 career goals was a Designated Player and star in Columbus, but his mercurial reputation took a big hit Saturday when he flipped out after Federico Higuain denied him the opportunity to take a penalty kick.

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As for New England, which has been hemorrhaging goals, the upgrade is likely worth the sacrifice.

The price is not cheap: General Allocation Money, Targeted Allocation Money, New England’s highest First Round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2017, New England’s highest Second Round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2018, and one of New England’s international roster spots for the 2016 season. Additionally, Crew SC will retain a percentage of any future transfer fee for Kamara should he be transferred to a club outside of MLS. Kamara will occupy a Designated Player slot on the Revolution’s roster.

From a press release:

“We have been looking to strengthen our team and we feel that this addition accomplishes just that,” said Revolution GM Michael Burns. “Kei is a player who has had success and is a proven goal scorer in MLS. We’re pleased we were able to get this deal done and look forward to Kei’s arrival and integration into the team.”

Big move for Crew SC, one that could really be a mutually beneficial maneuver.

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