SEATTLE -- The Seattle Sounders have signed South Korean defender Kim Kee-hee.
Seattle announced the signing on Tuesday, five days before its season opener. Kim comes to the Sounders after spending the past two seasons with Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League.
The 28-year-old center-back was acquired via targeted allocation money, the fifth Seattle player to be acquired using TAM.
Welcome to the club, Kim Kee-hee!
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 28, 2018
Check out the newest Sounder's first day in Seattle. 🏡 pic.twitter.com/FvhA9q1XtY
Manager Brian Schmetzer told the club's website: "Kim is a strong, experienced player who we believe will be a good addition to our defense.
"His signing gives us very good options at center back going forward, and I'm excited to see how he integrates to the squad."
Kim started all 45 of his appearances in his two years with Shanghai Shenhua. He previously played in the K League 1, the top division in South Korea, before his move to China.
Kim also has international experience for the South Korea national team, having made 23 appearances, including six during World Cup qualifying.
Opening day for MLS is Saturday, and Seattle begins its season on Sunday against expansion Los Angeles FC.
