4 Degrees of Separation
How Atlanta United FC and Sporting Kansas City Are Connected
DP TransferJosef MartínezJosef Martínez (Designated Player) moved from Atlanta United FC to Inter Miami CF (2023). The 2018 MLS MVP joined Miami after Atlanta exercised a contract buyout.
DP TransferAlejandro PozueloAlejandro Pozuelo (Designated Player) traded from Toronto FC to Inter Miami CF (2022). The 2020 MLS MVP was dealt for $150,000 in GAM.
CoachedGreg VanneyGreg Vanney managed Toronto FC (2014–2020) and LA Galaxy (2021–present).
DP TransferDP TransferDejan Joveljić (Designated Player) traded from LA Galaxy to Sporting Kansas City (2025). The first cash-for-player trade in MLS history at $4 million.
Atlanta United FC connects to Sporting Kansas City in 4 degrees through DP transfer and coaching. First, Atlanta United FC links to Inter Miami CF via DP transfer: Josef Martínez (Designated Player) moved from Atlanta United FC to Inter Miami CF (2023). The 2018 MLS MVP joined Miami after Atlanta exercised a contract buyout. Then, Inter Miami CF links to Toronto FC via DP transfer: Alejandro Pozuelo (Designated Player) traded from Toronto FC to Inter Miami CF (2022). The 2020 MLS MVP was dealt for $150,000 in GAM. Then, Toronto FC links to LA Galaxy via coaching: Greg Vanney managed Toronto FC (2014–2020) and LA Galaxy (2021–present). Finally, LA Galaxy links to Sporting Kansas City via DP transfer: Dejan Joveljić (Designated Player) traded from LA Galaxy to Sporting Kansas City (2025). The first cash-for-player trade in MLS history at $4 million.