LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Friday the club had signed Spanish defender Ian Soler, adding another new face to the club’s back line ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Soler most recently featured for first division Polish side Zagłębie Lubin. The 26-year-old made nine appearances for the side, moving him past 100 professional appearances in his career overall. He make his move to Louisville in the coming weeks upon receiving his work visa.

“Ian is a hungry player with experience playing in Europe at center back and holding midfield," said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. "When bringing players in, we go through an extensive process using statistical data, video and player interviews. Ian checked all the boxes for what we are looking for in a Louisville City player.

“He is a hard-nosed defender who has a lot of quality with the ball at his feet. We are looking forward to having him here.”

Soler has played across Europe since beginning his career in his home country as part of RCD Espanyol’s youth system. He spent two years with England’s Fulham F.C., where he competed for the U-21s and U-23s, before embarking on a senior career in Spain.

Soler made most of his senior team appearances for Spain’s second division Atlético Malagueño (2017-2019) and Slovakia’s top-tier Zemplín Michalovce (2019-2021), where he also chipped in a pair of goals before his move to Poland.