Stuart Findlay leaves Kilmarnock for Philadelphia Union

Kilmarnock have announced the sale of defender Stuart Findlay to MLS side Philadelphia Union for an undisclosed fee.

The central defender’s contract at Rugby Park was due to expire in the summer and Kilmarnock decided to accept an offer that will see him travel to the US ahead of the new MLS season starting in early April.

Findlay, who began his career with Celtic before a move to Newcastle in 2016, moved to Rugby Park on loan initially, playing in the 2017/18 season when the club set a record points tally and finished fifth in the league.

He signed permanently and was a key figure as the club broke that record again and qualified for the Europa League with third place in the Premiership.

Findlay told Kilmarnock’s website: “It’s a life changing move for me, my fiancée and my family with a new way of life and at this stage of my career this was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.

“I wanted to end my time with Kilmarnock in the best way possible and I’m pleased the club will benefit financially from me moving on before my contract expires. It’s a move that is right for all parties and I’m glad that the fans have been understanding about everything.

“To be able to share some of the moments and goals that I’ve scored with the fans – it’s impossible not to hold the club dear to your heart. I’ll miss the football, the supporters and the people around the club who I’ve shared these great years with.”

The club’s head of football operations, James Fowler said: “We didn’t want to lose Stuart but with his contract expiring in a few months, it is a good deal for the club and presents Stuart with a new and exciting challenge in his career.

“We were prepared for the possibility of losing Stuart and were proactive in the January window by bringing Zech Medley in on loan to make sure that we weren’t left short in defence.

“Stuart has enjoyed many good moments here and has been a great ambassador for the club and we wish him all the very best for the future.”