Cedric Hountondji previously played in Ligue 1 with Rennes. FRANK PERRY/AFP/Getty ImagesNew York City FC completed the singing of Benin international center-back Cedric Hountondji on Thursday.
The 23-year-old has spent his entire club career in France and comes to Patrick Vieira's side on a free transfer from Ligue 2's GFC Ajaccio.
"Cedric is a strong player who is dominant aerially and physically, he is excellent in one-v-one situations and is calm on the ball as well," Vieira said in a statement. "We were looking to strengthen our back four and Cedric is someone we were following for a long time.
"He's a young defender with his best years ahead of him and there was a lot of interest in him. I think it says a lot that a young player in Europe wanted to come to us and believes in our project and the ambitions of our football club.
Welcome to the Club, Cedric Hountondji