USMNT star Tim Ream joins MLS' Charlotte FC

Ream is a fascinating signing for Charlotte. He's spent the last few seasons with Fulham FC in England, where his partnership with fellow American international Antonee Robinson made him one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League. He'd have been an excellent signing for any MLS team looking to improve its defensive depth.

But strict roster rules and salary cap guidelines make big-name defensive signings rare in MLS; teams often prefer to spend their money on attackers and midfielders instead (see Inter Miami's Luis Suarez and Portland's Jonathan Rodriguez.) Charlotte has pulled off quite the coup by bringing Ream to the Queen City. It's a strategic signing that should lift the club's playoff hopes at exactly the right moment.

"(Ream's) Premier League and World Cup credentials speak for themselves," Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta said. "He's been ever-present in big moments for club and country. He comes to us in good form and upgrades an already excellent defense ... Signing an established USMNT player is a major milestone for our club and we're delighted to welcome Tim to Charlotte FC."

Charlotte is currently sixth in MLS' Eastern Conference, well above the playoff qualification line and within easy reach of the teams above it. It's performed brilliantly in the league this season under the guidance of former Aston Villa and Leicester City manager Dean Smith.

MLS is on hiatus for the summer — its clubs are competing in the annual Leagues Cup against teams from Liga MX — but the league will return in late August for the final nine games of the regular season. Ream's arrival should boost Charlotte for that final push and set it up to succeed in the do-or-die knockout rounds of the playoffs.

Charlotte will return to MLS action on Aug. 24 against the New York Red Bulls. Ream is expected to be available to play from that date forward.