After weeks of speculation, the New England Revolution have officially announced the signing of Syrian defender Gabriel Somi from Östersunds FK on a free transfer.
Somi is left back who has played over 150 games in Sweden’s Allsvenskan as well as the UEFA Europa League, meaning he is an experienced international. He has even been dubbed the “Syrian Jordi Alba” for his pace and his ability to get forward.
Revolution general manager Michael Burns said the club was happy they could sign a player with Somi’s experience.
“We are very pleased to add a versatile player in Gabriel who has the ability to help contribute at both ends of the field,” Burns said. “We look forward to seeing the impact he will have on the field in 2018 and beyond.”
Somi can play in the defense and in the midfield and he enjoyed two solid seasons with his previous club Östersunds FK in the top division of Swedish soccer. In his time for the club, he scored four goals and added five assists over 44 appearances.
The arrival of the 26-year-old defender is a step in the right direction for the club, as he fills a much a need hole in the Revolution’s defense. Somi will most likely play as a left back and should give Chris Tierney strong competition for a spot in the starting 11.
Somi will join the club once he receives his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
