Chicago Fire sign Johan Kappelhof from FC Groningen

The Chicago Fire have signed Dutch defender Johan Kappelhof from FC Groningen using Targeted Allocation Money, the club announced Tuesday.

A former member of the Ajax youth academy, Kappelhof, 25, joins Chicago having made over 120 appearances with FC Groningen.

"We are delighted to add a defender of Johan's quality," Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said in a statement. "He craves and excels in one-on-one situations, matches well with both physical and fast opponents, and is refined on the ball."

(Courtesy: @ChicagoFire)

He will join the Fire pending the completion of an entry physical examination and receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 visa. The 2016 MLS season begins on March 6.