The defensive reinforcements continue to arrive for New York City FC, as the club on Tuesday announced the signing of Colombian defender Jefferson Mena on a transfer from Independiente Medellin.
Mena, a 26-year-old center back, is the third defender to join NYCFC this summer after the additions of Spanish outside backs Andoni Iraola and Angelino. He had previously played the entirety of his professional career, from 2011 to 2015, for Independiente in his native country, and has 81 appearances under his belt.
“I’m very excited to join an ambitious club like New York City FC and to work with a very strong squad,” Mena told NYCFC.com. “I look forward to meeting my new teammates and learning from the coaching staff while exploring my new home in the great city of New York. I am particularly excited about playing in front of New York City FC Fans, who I hear create a great atmosphere for the team at Yankee Stadium.”
NYCFC have conceded 27 goals through 21 games in their inaugural season, tied for 16th in MLS, and have often struggled to find consistency in their backline.
“Jefferson is a player I have been watching for a while and I couldn’t be happier to add him to our squad,” NYCFC head coach Jason Kreis said in a statement provided by the team. “His athletic ability and speed will provide us with a strong new option in the center back position. He’s a good technical player just about to hit the prime of his career and will add international quality and experience to the team.”
Mena will join up with the team later this month and is eligible for immediate selection pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, P1 Visa and a physical.
In order to add Mena to the squad, NYCFC acquired an international roster slot in 2015 and 2016 from the LA Galaxy in exchange for allocation money.
