Timbers pen Larrys Mabiala to TAM-funded deal

The Portland Timbers announced Monday the club has dipped into its Targeted Allocation Money funds to reinforce its backline, adding Congolese center-back Larrys Mabiala to its ranks once the July transfer window swings open.

Mabiala, 29, is a former Paris Saint-Germain youth graduate, who made just three senior-team Ligue 1 appearances between 2006-09 before joining OGC Nice, for whom he featured until 2012.

He most recently played in Turkey with both Karabukspor and Kayserispor, but joins the Timbers as a free agent after his contract at the latter expires in July.

"Larrys Mabiala is a player that will bring a strong, physical presence to our team," head coach Caleb Porter said in a club-issued statement. "His experience and leadership will be key and we expect him to make an immediate impact once he is fully transitioned."

The 6-foot-2 defender also has a dozen appearances at international level with the Democratic Republic of Congo.