MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced on Friday the club had signed defender Abdoulaye “AB” Cissoko to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The French national joins 901 FC after earning 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI honors for a standout campaign with the Tacoma Defiance while on loan from Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer. Cissoko made 16 appearances for the Defiance across the regular season and playoffs and won 32 tackles at a 76.2 percent success rate, 77 duels at a 62.6 success rate, and bagged five goals, four of which came from the penalty spot.

“AB was highly sought after this offseason and we’re delighted that he has chosen Memphis as the best project for his career,” said 901 FC Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “AB will provide a strong physical presence at the back, he is strong one-on-one and very strong in a tackle. We look forward to AB making an instant impact.”

The 24-year-old center back joined the Sounders organization in 2019 and played the 2020 season with Tacoma Defiance in the USL Championship before signing a First Team contract in 2021. Cissoko has tallied 33 appearances in Major League Soccer for the Sounders since his debut in 2021 while scoring 14 goals in 47 appearances with the Defiance across the Championship and MLS NEXT Pro.

Analysis

AB Cissoko was one of the notable free agents we tabbed in December, so this signing feels like a major coup for Memphis 901 FC as it looks to replenish a defense that lost a key figure in Graham Smith this offseason. The 6-foot-3 center back has plenty of experience in the top two divisions of American soccer and his ball-winning ability should see him slot into the middle of Memphis’ defense from the opening game of the season.

Cissoko has also proved quite the marksman from the penalty spot during his time with the Tacoma Defiance, and that could fill another niche for Memphis moving forward. His quality on the ball should also be an asset that pushes his new side forward and keeps it a contender for the postseason.