Middlesbrough have signed midfielder Riley McGree from Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC on a three-and-a-half year contract.
McGree, who lists Adelaide United and Melbourne City among his former clubs, also spent last season at St Andrew's.
"We beat off strong competition," Boro boss Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Tees.
"We've certainly got an asset in signing Riley. He's ambitious, aggressive, wants to do well and he's a winner.
"We're quite light on left-footers and Riley can play in a two-man midfield, at number 'eight' or '10', or as a left wing-back.
"He's very versatile, and a talented young player.