RSL signs Kelyn Rowe from Sporting Kansas City on deadline day

In a bit of an unexpected move, Real Salt Lake have made a deadline day signing, inking a deal with Sporting Kansas City for 27-year-old midfielder Kelyn Rowe.

The deal sends $75,000 in targeted allocation money to Sporting Kansas City, who will bear the majority of the burden of Rowe’s salary budget impact — $171,856 to RSL’s $100,000.

Real Salt Lake has also sent an international roster spot to Sporting KC for the remainder of 2019.

Rowe is best known for a seven-year run with New England Revolution; he was traded to Sporting Kansas City in December 2018. At SKC, Rowe largely took a bench role, which was certainly a step down from his regular starting role at New England.

Rowe has played no minutes for Sporting Kansas City since June 7. He hasn’t appeared on injury reports, and no immediate public reports explain his lack of playing time over the last two months.

From a club-issued press release, RSL general manager Craig Waibel:

“Kelyn adds experience and depth to our midfield and can play in several positions. He is someone we have sought to acquire for some time and will certainly be a player that can press for time on the field. He is very experienced in our league and will be a great addition in the locker room.”

Rowe, from the same:

“I’m excited for a new opportunity with Real Salt Lake. The have an exciting group of players that have come together well this year and I’m looking forward to what I can contribute.”