The Portland Timbers signed DR Congo international center-back Larrys Mabiala from Turkish club Kayserispor on Monday.
The 29-year-old will be able to play when the MLS secondary transfer window opens July 10. The Timbers used targeted allocation money to complete the deal.
Portland general manager Gavin Wilkinson said Mabiala would help replace the inured Gbenga Arokoyo, who tore his Achilles before the season began.
"We are pleased to acquire a player of Larrys' quality and experience, and we are excited that he has chosen to join the Portland Timbers," Portland general manager Gavin Wilkinson said in a statement.
"This has been a positional need since losing Gbenga Arokoyo to an injury and while it took longer than we would have liked, we are delighted to add a proven central defender with the right profile to help the team."
Mabiala came up through the Paris Saint-Germain youth system before moving to Nice in 2009. He has played in Turkey since 2012, first for Karabukspor before a 2015 switch to Kayserispor.
"Larrys Mabiala is a player that will bring a strong, physical presence to our team," Timbers coach Caleb Porter said. "His experience and leadership will be key and we expect him to make an immediate impact once he is fully transitioned."
Mabiala has earned nine caps with DR Congo and played at the 2013 African Nations Cup.