oakland, california – Auckland Roots SC announced Wednesday that the club has signed Sierra Leone international Kevin Wright ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. This transaction is pending league and federation approval.
Originally from Ilford, England, Wright made eight appearances for the Leone Stars, including all three of the 2022 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. In the tournament, he was a teammate of current Charleston Battery forward Augustin Williams.
Roots SC technical director Jordan Ferrell said: “We are very excited to welcome Kevin Wright to our team at left-back, with his extensive experience in England and Scandinavia. He fits the profile of a suitable attacking wingback and we look forward to seeing him on the field soon.”
Wright graduated from Chelsea FC Youth Academy at the age of 10 and helped them win the FA Youth Cup in 2014. He made his professional debut with Carlisle his United in his EFL League Two in England in the 2016-17 season before moving to the Norwegian national team. Club he Fredricksta.
The 27-year-old played for Swedish second-tier Degerfors before moving to top club Örebro, where he made 76 appearances for Allsvenskan, scoring two goals and providing eight assists. Most recently, Wright moved to Auckland for the New Year after spending time at Greek club Apollon Smarnis.