Matt Besler likely to choose Sporting KC extension over European move

Matt Besler now prefers to sign a longterm extension with Sporting Kansas City rather than accept a transfer offer overseas, according to a story in the Kansas City Star. Sunderland and Fulham are just two of the teams that have been mentioned by name as potentially being interested in acquiring the 27-year-old center back.

If those teams represent the more notable of the interested clubs, it's perhaps a bit more understandable why Besler would prefer to get a raise and remain with his hometown team rather than face an uncertain future of fighting for playing time. Sunderland is coming off a season in which they finished 14th in the 20-team Premier League and were flirting with relegation until the season's final weeks. Fulham will be playing in the Championship this season after finishing in 19th and although they are reasonably well positioned to win promotion that's obviously far from guaranteed.

At the same time, Besler signing an extension with Kansas City would almost certainly close the doors on ever playing in Europe. Coming off a solid performance in the World Cup, Besler's stock has never been higher and it's unlikely European offers will continue to come his way as he moves closer to his 30th birthday.