LA Galaxy sign defender Diego Polenta

After a string of less than stellar center back signings the past few years, have the LA Galaxy finally found their leader to anchor the defense?

This morning the organization announced the signing of Uruguayan defender Diego Polenta. The 26-year old with joins LA from his native Nacional, where he delivered two titles and was recognized as the league’s top defender at one point before eventually captaining the club. Prior to Nacional Polenta spent four seasons in Italy’s second division with cash-strapped Bari.

“Diego is a strong and gifted defender in his prime that we believe can become a top defender in Major League Soccer,” Galaxy GM Dennis te Kloese declared in a statement. “He has experience playing at a very high level in Uruguay and he will contribute to an area of need in our defense. We are excited to add him to our roster and look forward to integrating him into our team as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

A target of Guillermo Barros Schelotto during his time with Boca Juniors, Polenta has been training with the Galaxy the past few weeks, so it’s a safe bet the coaching staff know what they have in the rugged center back with Copa Libertadores experience.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed Polenta was signed with TAM funds.