CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Chattanooga Red Wolves SC has signed Albanian defender Vangjel Zguro for the inaugural USL League One season. Zguro joins the club from Albanian Superliga’s FK Kukësi, pending league and federation approval.

Zguro joined FK Kukësi in June of the 2018 season, appearing in 16 matches for the club. With Kukësi, Zguro appeared in two UEFA Champions League qualifying matches and in one UEFA Europa League qualifying match. According to Red Wolves Head Coach and Technical Director Tim Hankinson, this experience makes him a valuable piece to the Red Wolves roster.

“As a left back, Vangjel is very technical and likes to get in on the attack,” said Hankinson. “For a player his age, he has great top tier, division one experience and versatility—his creativity and playmaking will be exciting to watch.”

Prior to his stint with FK Kukësi, Zguro spent a season with FC Kamza, another Albanian Superliga club. During that time, he appeared in 16 games, logged nearly 1,400 minutes played and added one goal. During the 2016-17 season, Zguro rostered with FC Luftëtari. The left back appeared in 24 matches, logged 1,868 minutes played and added one assist. He joined KF Korabi for the 2015-16 season, appearing in 10 matches.

Throughout his career, Zguro has rostered with four Albanian Superliga clubs, making a total of 61 appearances, logging 4,839 minutes played, adding one goal and three assists in the country’s top tier division of competition. He has participated in the Albanian Football Cup, Kupa e Shqipërisë, on four separate occasions.

“I’m really happy to join Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s debut,” said Zguro. “The city of Chattanooga is beautiful, and I know I made the right decision signing with the Red Wolves. I would like to thank the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”

Before he began his Albanian Superliga run, Zguro spent six years playing for clubs in the Albanian First Division, the second level of professional football in Albania. He joins the Red Wolves roster as the twelfth player signing for the club. Other signees include Sito Seoane, Colin Falvey and Steven Beattie.