Sporting Kansas City signs former Barcelona B midfielder Ilie Sanchez

Sporting Kansas City announced Friday the club has signed defensive midfielder Ilie Sanchez out of 1860 Munich, signing the former Barcelona B man on a two-year contract with an optional third year for the 2019 season.

The 26-year-old came through Barcelona's youth academy system (La Masia) and most recently played with Elche while on loan from the German outfit. He had previously made over 100 appearances for Barcelona B from 2009-14.

"Ilie is a player we have been interested in and followed for a long time," Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes said in a club-issued statement. "We are very fortunate to add him to our roster as we get ready for the 2017 season."

During his time at Barcelona, Sanchez played alongside midfielders Oriol Rosell and Jordi Quintilla, both of whom played with Sporting Kansas City. As such, this MLS move serves as yet another link between the two teams.

Sanchez will need to compete for a spot against the likes of Soni Mustivar, Lawrence Olum, and Benji Joya in Vermes' preferred lineup, which also features midfielder Benny Feilhaber and Roger Espinoza.