Revolution Transfer 2017: Revs sign defender Claude Dielna

The New England Revolution have signed French center back Calude Dielna, per a team release.

Dielna, 29, signed a three-year contract with Sheffield Wednesday on Aug. 30, 2014. After 23 appearances with Shieffield, Dielna was sent on two consecutive loans, first with Slovan Bratislava of Slovakia then Dinamo București of Romania. He recently became a free agent, allowing him to sign with the Revolution.

Dielna began his professional career at Lorient, but failed to earn a single first-team minute which prompted a move to Istres. Here, he played 62 games before leaving his native country to join Olympiacos F.C. of Greece. Dielna couldn’t breakthrough here, which lead to loan stints with Sedan (France) and Ajaccio (France).

Now in the United States, Dielna is expected to compete with Benjamin Angoua and Josh Smith for a starting spot alongside Antonio Delamea. Angoua (14 starts) was expected to be a full-time starter after joining the Revs on loan from EA Guingamp of France but he’s struggled to adjust to MLS. Rookie Josh Smith has made six starts this season with his most recent coming on Jul. 2.

Dielna will officially be added to the roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa. He could occupy a Designated Player slot unless the team decides to use Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).