Minnesota United sign defender Zarek Valentin via free agency | OneFootball

Minnesota United have signed veteran defender Zarek Valentin on a one-year deal via free agency.

Valentin's contract keeps him at Allianz Field through the 2023 MLS season, with MNUFC holding an option on a further year.

"Couldn't be more excited to join a top class club and fan base," Valentin wrote on social media after the move was announced.

The 31-year-old joins Minnesota with over a decade of MLS experience, having originally been picked by the now-defunct Chivas USA in the 2011 SuperDraft. Following stints with CF Montreal and FK Bodø/Glimt of Norway, Valentin signed with the Portland Timbers in 2016, playing 107 games for the club across all competitions and featuring in their 2018 MLS Cup defeat to Atlanta United.

Most recently, Valentin spent three years with the Houston Dynamo, providing three assists in 55 games across all competitions.

At international level, the full-back has four senior caps to his name for Puerto Rico having previously represented the United States at U-20 and U-23 levels.

The arrival of Valentin quickly follows the signing of veteran goalkeeper Clint Irwin as back-up to Dayne St. Clair as Minnesota United prepare for the 2023 MLS season.