The LA Galaxy now have 22 roster spots filled for the 2018 season as they announced the signing of defender Emrah Klimenta.

Originally reported by CoG on Saturday evening, the 26-year old Klimenta will join the Galaxy after being a major part of Sacramento Republic’s squad since 2014.

SIGNING: LA Galaxy have signed 26 year old Montenegrin defender Emrah Klimenta, according to a source. Klimenta captained Sacramento Republic and joined that team in 2014. Has three caps with Montenegro. Expected as depth on the right and in the middle. #LAGalaxy — Corner Of The Galaxy (@GalaxyPodcast) January 14, 2018

In fact, Klimenta is Sacramento Republic’s all-time leader in minutes, starts, and appearances and won a USL Championship with the club in their inaugural season. Accomplishing all those feats while initially joining the team during an open tryout.

“Emrah has shown very well for himself in Sacramento and that he is deserving of this opportunity in MLS,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid in a press release. “He will be a valuable and versatile defender to have in our backline. We are very excited to welcome Emrah to our club.”

The six-foot, 1-inch defender was born in Rožaje, Montenegro, but his family emigrated to the United States by way of Turkey. And when he was 10 years old started playing for youth teams in and around the Bay Area in Northern California.

To date, he’s been capped three times for Montenegro playing in a friendly against Turkey, and two World Cup Qualifiers in 2016.

Klimenta is expected to be a depth signing to backup both the right back and center back positions. He would be the only dedicated right back on the team, outside of new signing, Rolf Feltscher. And while Feltscher is expected to start, Klimenta should get opportunities to make his way onto the field. Whether that is in Open Cup play or because of injury.

The Galaxy have been busy rebuilding a defense that gave up a franchise-worst 67 goals in 2017. The Galaxy have added defenders Michael Ciani (before the conclusion of the 2017 season), Jorgen Skjelvic, the aforementioned Feltscher, and have retained Ashley Cole, Daniel Steres, Dave Romney, and Hugo Arellano.

The only missing piece for a team that has now added or re-signed nine players this offseason is to get a true offensive threat at striker.

You can follow all the Galaxy’s offseason moves by clicking on our OFFSEASON DRAFT, TRANSACTION, AND RUMOR TRACKER.

The club will open up preseason training on January 22 and play their first game of the season on March 4 when they host the Portland Timbers at StubHub Center.

Name: Emrah Klimenta

Position: Defender

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 181 lbs.

Born: February 13, 1991

Age: 26

Last Club: Sacramento Republic FC

Birthplace: Rožaje, Montenegro

Nationality: United States

Roster: Domestic Roster Spot (Not an INTL)

We talk about the LA Galaxy’s newest signing, Emrah Klimenta:

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