Orlando City announced Thursday the signing of center back Alex De John on a one-year contract.

De John joins Orlando City after six seasons playing overseas for top clubs in Norway, Sweden and Finland.

“Alex is an experienced defender who adds needed depth to our backline. He is a natural leader with solid experience in Europe and the U.S.,” said Orlando’s EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said in a club release. “We are thrilled to make this key signing at center back ahead of preseason, and know Alex will be a strong contributor to the game both in play and in aiding the development of young players we are bringing to the team.”

The 27-year-old New Jersey native made 125 appearances for various clubs overseas over the last six seasons, playing for Ekenäs IF in Finland before moving on to Turun Palloseura, then Norwegian club IK Start, and most recently Dalkurd FF in Sweden.

He’ll provide some much needed depth to Orlando’s defense, specially the center back spot, where the Lions have the most need for signings right now after letting go of both Jonathan Spector and Amro Tarek.

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