ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Tuesday the club had signed defender Yanis Leerman ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The 27-year-old defender comes to Tampa Bay following three seasons as a regular contributor for Loudoun United FC, where he appeared in 86 matches across all competitions. Leerman recorded one goal and three assists in 75 appearances in the USL Championship while recording 346 recoveries, 93 interceptions and 309 clearances, and played a notable role in helping United earn its first trip to the USL Championship Playoffs this past season.

“Yanis has proven himself to be a top center back at this level, so we are excited about what he can bring to the Rowdies,” said Rowdies Head Coach Dominic Casciato. “He is somebody with a lot of quality that understands that to be successful you need to put the team first, always. He likes to defend and is very good in possession too. He has a competitive edge that I am looking forward to seeing every day in training and when he steps onto the field in the green and gold.”

Born in France, Leerman developed as an academy player for Troyes during his youth. In 2018, he moved to the United States to play college soccer at the University of Central Florida, where he made 60 appearances over four seasons for the Golden Knights. The Chicago Fire selected Leerman in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, but the Frenchman chose to continue his college career for one more year as a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh.

Leerman signed his first professional contract with Loudoun United FC ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. In his first season in the professional ranks, Leerman led the club in clearances, interceptions, and aerial duels won with an 85.7% passing accuracy rate over 28 league appearances.

“I’m proud and honored to be joining this legendary club,” said Leerman. “I look forward to giving my all to this organization and to the great Rowdies fans so we can achieve our goals in the new season.”