The Chicago Fire announced today that they have signed Paraguayan defender Lider Marmol. Terms of the deal were not released, and he will be able to play once he receives his visa and work clearance.

The 22 year-old Marmol last played in Spain for Hercules CF, and has had trials with Reading and Coventry City in England. Prior to the last two weeks, Marmol had been training with Red Bulls in New Jersey.

The Fire's signing of Marmol fully justifies the organization's decision to pursue him rather than let Juan Carlos Osorio and the Red Bulls take him on.

Backdraft has seen Marmol in training, and it's clear he's a powerful, athletic defender capable of dominating the game aerially. He adds to the Fire's already impressive depth at the back.

Here are the details on the Fire's new signing:

23 Lider Marmol

Position: Defender

Height: 6'1" (1.85 m)

Weight: 195 lbs. (88 kg)

Born: October 2, 1985 in Alto Paraná, Paraguay

Hometown: Paraná, Paraguay

Citizenship: Paraguay

Last Club: Hercules CF (Spain)

How Acquired: Signed senior contract on April 29, 2008

Roster Status: Senior Roster/International Player

Pronunciation: (LEE-der MARR-mole)