Minnesota United announced today the signing of defender Jérôme Thiesson, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1Visa. The 29-year-old Swiss native has spent the last six seasons with FC Luzern of the Swiss Super League, scoring two goals in 222 games with 204 starts in league play. In 10 cup games with the club, he recorded one goal.

Thiesson joined FC Luzern after spending four years with AC Bellinzona, a lower division Swiss Super League club from the country’s Italian-speaking region. One of the main qualities Minnesota United prized in going after Thiesson was his ability to play either fullback position.

“It’s a position on the field where we can always have more depth and experience,” said Sporting Director Manny Lagos. “This is a player that can play both those positions very well. He's got hundreds of professional games at a high level, starting at both right and left back, which is unique for a player to be that versatile.”

Lagos also praised Thiesson’s personality and character, calling him a mature, quiet leader who could be influential on the team.

“Thiesson is a hugely experienced player with over 300 games in the Swiss League,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He’s incredibly versatile with two great feet and can play left back and right back. He’s an important piece for us in an area we feel as though we’ve been a little bit short in terms of numbers.”

“I am honored to be one of the select internationals that Minnesota United FC has chosen to be part of its inaugural season,” said Thiesson. “This unique experience to start a project from the beginning is not possible in Europe and so it made my difficult decision to leave FC Luzern easier. I want to thank FC Luzern and its fans for the five and a half fantastic years and applaud the administration for supporting my wish to come to Major League Soccer.”

Minnesota United makes its home MLS debut on March 12 at TCF Bank Stadium against fellow expansion side Atlanta United. Fans who want to be there for every home match can join the Itasca Society. Over 10,000 season tickets have already been sold, rapidly approaching the inaugural season limit of 11,842 members in this exclusive club — one for every lake in Minnesota. A portion of all proceeds from these season tickets are donated to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Loon Monitoring program. Both season tickets and single match tickets are available now at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.

TRANSACTION: Minnesota United FC sign defender Jérôme Thiesson, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1Visa, on Feb. 21, 2017.

Name: Jérôme Thiesson

Position: Fullback

Height: 5-9

Weight: 159

Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland

Date of Birth: August 6, 1987

Nationality: Swiss

Last Club: FC Luzern