The New York Red Bulls announced today that it has signed Swedish defender Markus Holgersson. The 26-year-old will be added to New York's roster once he receives P-1 visa approval and passes a physical and the League gains receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

"Markus is a strong, experienced defender who will bring immediate stability and leadership to our back line," said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "Over the offseason, one of our priorities was to add more physical players and Markus certainly fits that bill. We are excited that he has decided to join New York."

Holgersson was most recently with Swedish Allsvenskan side, Helsingborg. From 2009, Holgersson made 80 appearances, scoring five goals and helping Helsingborg become the first Swedish club to win the League, Super Cup and Swedish Cup titles in the same year in 2011. Holgersson, a starter in central defense, also was a part of the 2010 squad that won the Swedish Cup and finished second in the Allsvenskan.

The 6-3 defender started his professional career in 2005 at Angelholms FF of Sweden's Superettan, the second highest league in the country. There, Holgersson featured in 89 games and recorded six goals. This month, Holgersson earned his first international call-up for the Swedish National Team.