NYCFC signs free agent fullback Andraz Struna

While the summer transfer window came and went with neither sound nor fury from injury-wracked New York City FC, this morning brought better news: Andraz Struna, a Slovenian international defender who played most recently with Scottish side Heart of Midlothian, is coming to the Five Boroughs pending processing of his P1 visa.

The player had been on trial with NYCFC as an unattached free agent.

“For me, it’s a great pleasure to sign here for New York City FC,” the player said in the club’s official release.

“This is a big thing for me because I think I can learn a lot from the likes of Patrick [Vieira] and all of the experienced people at the club. My goals are always tied to team goals, so I want to do the best I can for the team. Of course, I’m also excited to live here in New York and to have this experience.”

Primarily a right fullback, Struna can also cover on the left or in defensive midfield. He brings much-needed depth to a back line worn thin; at the moment, Ben Sweat and RJ Allen are the only healthy fullbacks on New York City’s roster.

“We’re entering a really important stretch of the season and I’m pleased that we were able to bring in Andraz at this stage to strengthen our squad,” Patrick Vieira told NYCFC.com. “Andraz is an experienced international defender, I’m looking forward to working with him on the training field.”

Struna has 25 international caps for Slovenia. Transfermarkt gives him an estimated market value of $600,000.