Former Red Bulls II defender David Najem has signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the United Soccer League club announced Thursday.

As per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed. The transfer is pending league and U.S. Soccer approval.

“I’m really excited to be a part of the Tampa Bay Rowdies with its rich soccer history and tradition,” Najem said. “The club has been so competitive and successful year in and year out. I am really looking forward to this new challenge in my career and working with my new teammates and staff.”

The 25-year-old Najem joins Tampa Bay after two seasons with Red Bulls II. He was one of the most reliable defenders on the team, making 52 appearances and playing more than 4,000 minutes. Najem helped New York reach the Eastern Conference final in 2017 and to a USL championship in 2016.

“David is a very talented young defender,” Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell said. “He brings a lot of versatility and skill to the table. He’s had success in the USL and he knows the league really well for a player of his age. He fits well into our system and will deliver what we look for from our outside backs.”

Najem played college soccer at Columbia University before heading to Europe for two seasons with FC Eintracht Bamberg in the German lower divisions.

While right back is his preferred position, Najem is also capable of playing on the left and in the midfield when necessary.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.