Kansas City, KS – Sporting Kansas City have loaned forward Kei Kamara to Norwich City of the English Premier League, the club announced on Wednesday.
Kamara will remain with Norwich until May 6 2013, missing the first two months of the MLS season. Once the loan spell is complete, Norwich will have the option to acquire Kamara on a full transfer.
"Our club continues to get a lot of attention throughout Europe," Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes said. "As we do with all of our decisions, we always think about the long-term impact on our organization, as well as the short-term. Ultimately, this opportunity allows us to re-invest back into the club and solidify our core group of players."
In seven MLS seasons, Kamara has scored 45 goals and added 21 assists in 178 appearances. He has led Sporting KC in scoring each of the past three seasons, including a career-high 11 goals and eight assists last term.
The Sierra Leone native also was named an MLS All Star in 2012.
"It is a very bittersweet day as I am excited to achieve one of my goals, which was to play in the EPL," Kamara said. "Being such a positive person, I trust in this decision and am thankful for the opportunity to play at Norwich City through the end of their season. I am grateful for the coaching staff at Sporting KC and especially Peter for believing in me and helping me through this process."
Kamara becomes the second player to leave Kansas City for the Premier League during this transfer window. Midfielder Roger Espinosa joined Wigan Athletic earlier in the month after five years with Sporting KC.
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