TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing
The Montreal Impact needed reinforcements at center back after losing new defender Zakaria Diallo to injury for at least five months, and on Monday they got it, announcing the signing of French defender Rod Fanni. Fanni's contract with Montreal runs through June 30, 2018, with an option for the rest of the season.
The 36-year-old joins the Impact from Olympique Marseille, where he played two stints. Fanni was a longtime Ligue 1 fixture, playing for Lens, Nice, Rennes and Marseille between 2002-15. In 2015, he moved to Qatar to play for Al-Arabi SC, and played a short stint at English Championship side Charlton Athletic in 2016, before returning to Marseille.
Fanni, who also has five caps for the French national team, earned between 2008-10, has won two Coupe de la Ligue titles in his career.
“His arrival will allow us to fill the gap left by Zakaria Diallo's injury,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde in a statement. “Rod will strengthen our defensive corps while bringing his extensive experience to the group. I appreciated his swiftness in positively answering our request and his desire to take part in our project as soon as he was released from his contract with Marseille. I am certain that his contribution will be important for our upcoming games.”
The Impact lost their season opener 2-1 against the Vancouver Whitecaps, and will face Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (1 pm ET | MLS LIVE in US; TSN4/5, TVAS, CTV in Canada).
