The LA Galaxy have signed defender Emrah Klimenta, the club announced today. Klimenta signs with the Galaxy from Sacramento Republic FC, where he leaves as the club’s all-time leader in minutes, starts and appearances.

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

Klimenta, 26, was signed by Sacramento Republic FC ahead of their inaugural season in 2014, earning a contract after trying out for the team. Later that year, Klimenta and Sacramento Republic FC were crowned USL PRO Champions in their inaugural season. In four years with the club, he recorded 88 starts in 92 appearances for a total of 7,915 minutes. He leads the club in each category and helped the team to the playoffs in each year he was with organization.

Born in Rožaje, Montenegro, Klimenta has been internationally capped by his home country. In 2016, he earned his first cap in a friendly against Turkey and was called in for two separate World Cup Qualifying legs later that year.

Transaction: LA Galaxy sign defender Emrah Klimenta