TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing
The Montreal Impact announced Saturday they had signed French center back Zakaria Diallo to a two-year contract, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and completion of a physical.
Diallo, 31, spent the most of his career in Ligue 2, appearing in 135 games and playing 11,176 minutes from 2012 to 2017. He successively played with Dijon FCO, AC Ajaccio and Stade Brestois. He was named to the Ligue 2 Team of the Year following the 2016-17 season with Brest, scoring three goals in 35 games, including 33 starts, and 2,985 minutes.
"The goal with Zakaria's arrival is to strengthen the team in central defense," Impact head coach Rémi Garde said in a team statement. "I am pleased with his recruitment because he has the athletic and technical profile I was looking for."
The move represents a first foray outside of Europe for Diallo, a French native of Senegalese decent.
"I'm very happy to join the Montreal Impact," said Diallo. "It's a dream come true for me because I've always wanted to play in MLS. I'm excited for this new challenge in Montreal."
After stints in France's third tier and Belgium's top flight, Diallo started three games in Ligue 1 with Dijon FCO in 2011-12, and remained with the team in the second division after its relegation. He recorded three Ligue 2 seasons with at least 33 starts and 2,800 minutes of play.
