SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC announced on Wednesday the club had acquired 2021 USL League One Defender of the Year Damià Viader via transfer from Union Omaha ahead of the new season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval, and per club policy the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Damià is a dynamic left-sided player, and over two seasons in Omaha, and was a dominant force in League One,” said Republic FC President and General Manager. “He brings a championship pedigree with him, and we look forward to integrating him into the squad.”

A native of Barcelona, Spain, Viader began his professional career stateside with Union Omaha in 2020. Before coming to the United States, he was a member of FC Barcelona and Girona FC’s youth development programs and logged a season with CE Europa in Spain’s Segunda División B. In 2020, he joined Union Omaha for the Nebraska club’s inaugural season in USL League One play. In two pro seasons, he has reached the USL League One Final in back-to-back years, this past season winning the title with Los Buhos while claiming the Final MVP award.

During Union Omaha’s 2021 title run, Viader appeared in 30 matches (29 starts) and led the club in minutes played. On the offensive side of the ball, he netted seven goals and six assists while recording 61 chances created. His defensive presence helped Omaha earn the league’s best record regular season, with his two-way play that saw him record 61 interceptions, 67 tackles and 176 duels won earning the 2021 USL League One Defender of the Year award.

“Dami is a special player, and it is easy to see why there are so many clubs that have show interest in him,” said Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims. “He was the very first player I identified for the club over two years ago and was a huge part of our championship run this past season. It was easy to work with Sacramento as I personally know both Todd and Mark and I know they both will do a great job on Dami’s continued growth. He keeps on improving every year and his best years are still ahead of him. Although we will miss him with our team and it will be a huge hole to fill, we are always looking for creative pathways for players to continue their professional development.”