Memphis, TENN. (February 2, 2024) – Memphis 901 FC announced on Friday the club has signed defender Abdoulaye “AB” Cissoko to a multi-year contract, pending league and federation approval.
“AB was highly sought after this offseason and we’re delighted that he has chosen Memphis as the best project for his career,” Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell said. “AB will provide a strong physical presence at the back, he is strong one-on-one and very strong in a tackle. We look forward to AB making an instant impact.”
The French national joins 901 FC after earning 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Bext XI honors for a standout campaign with the Tacoma Defiance while on loan from Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer. Cissoko made 16 appearances for the Defiance across the regular season and playoffs and won 32 tackles at a 76.2 percent success rate, 77 duels at a 62.6 success rate, and bagged five goals, four of which came from the penalty spot.
The 24-year-old center back joined the Sounders organization in 2019 and played the 2020 season with Tacoma Defiance in the USL Championship before signing a First Team contract in 2021. Cissoko has tallied 33 appearances in Major League Soccer for the Sounders since his debut in 2021 while scoring 14 goals in 47 appearances with the Defiance across the Championship and MLS NEXT Pro.
The strong Memphis backline now includes Cissoko along with USL Championship veterans like Akeem Ward, Oscar Jimenez, Carson Vom Steeg, Lucas Turci and Tulu.
Memphis 901 FC opens the 2024 regular season on March 9 at AutoZone Park as they host Las Vegas Lights FC at 3 p.m. CT. Season tickets are available at www.memphis901fc.com.
PLAYER BIO
Name: Abdoulaye Cissoko
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Date of Birth: December 27, 1999
Hometown: Sèvres, France
Nationality: France, Senegal
Previous Club: Seattle Sounders
Transaction: Memphis 901 FC signs defender Adboulaye Cissoko to multi-year contract on February 2, 2024.
