While the news hasn’t been announced by Phoenix Rising FC, it appears former MLS player Amadou Dia has joined the club, according to his Instagram account.

The quote from his account is:

It’s been a long 6 months but I’m extremely grateful to have signed a new contract with @phxrisingfc. I have to thank my family, my lady, my boys, and everyone who reached out and showed me support during these last couple months. I also gotta thank the people at steadman Hawkins especially Dr. Metzel for performing an amazing surgery and beth for making sure I get my rehab done right. Last but not least I gotta thank @teamspeedco and @realcolorado making sure I get back into top shape like always and making sure my mind is right on and off the field. And finally I gotta thank my agent Cory Gibbs at @wasserman for makin this all possible couldn’t have done it without you sir!! I got much love for all of you and know your support hasn’t gone unnoticed. Oh and we’ll gladly accept that 6v6 championship today 😏🏆. We’re back baby!!! #MuchLove #ComeBackSeason #teamua

For those unfamiliar with Dia, he will be a welcome addition to a Phoenix defense that is one of two in the league to not record a shutout in 2017. He was a first round draft pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas City. At the time of his selection he looked like a depth piece but SKC would need to put him on the field a lot while starter Seth Sinovic dealt with injuries.

In his rookie season he had 22 appearances (13 starts) for 1,317 minutes, almost exclusively at left back. In the 2016 season Sporting suddenly had a ton of left backs on the roster, with Jimmy Medranda taking the starting role, Seth Sinovic lingering, and the addition of Honduran international Ever Alvarado.

That made Dia expendable, and he was surprisingly traded to the Montreal Impact in exchange for Cameron Porter. After going to Montreal he had just a single start for the club before his option was declined after the 2016 season. According to Dia’s post, he is recovering from surgery, the type of which was not disclosed.

Another interesting note is that Dia is from France, the home country of new head coach Patrice Carteron, and adopted home of new owner/player Didier Drogba (who is making his USL debut this weekend).

As for what this all means for Phoenix, it seems like a good move. This is a team that has struggled defensively and Dia has a good track record as a defender. If he is back to 100% it will give the team options and youth in the back that the club can hopefully build around. Worst case, they take a flier on a young kid looking to get back to MLS who may be able to get back via PRFC instead of joining a current MLS club.