LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed Manny Perez to a multi-year contract as the defender returned for a second stint with the club after competing most recently in Denmark. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Perez previously played two seasons for LouCity, including as a key member of the 2022 squad that won the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference title.

“We are happy to welcome Manny back to Louisville City,” said LouCity Head Coach Danny Cruz. “He is a player that we know well from having worked with him, and we believe he will be a great addition to a group that's performing at a high level. We wanted to continue to build depth due to some of the injuries that we've had and felt that Manny can come in to continue pushing the group. I am looking forward to getting him reintegrated with the players as we look to finish the regular season as strong as possible.”

Perez, who featured at right back for LouCity, started 27 games apiece in both 2022 and 2023 while leading the team in duels won and tackles won. He also scored a key goal to open the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs, helping City rally to defeat Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Perez appeared in four games for AC Horsens in Denmark’s 1.Division before an injury cut short his time there. Back fully fit, the 25-year-old is looking forward to his return to the field.

“LouCity is a special place and has always felt like family since day one,” Perez said. “It is nice to see some familiar faces around the club, and I'm looking forward to seeing the electric fans at Lynn Family Stadium again.”

Analysis

Manny Perez’s return to LouCity gives Danny Cruz another potential option to use as a right-sided wingback in the club’s conventional 3-4-3 formation, joining options such as Aiden McFadden and Jansen Wilson in the mix with Jake Morris and Amadou Dia slotting in on the left.

The 25-year-old was a consistent performer for LouCity, recording three assists and 21 chances created while completing 52 dribbles at a 65.8 percent success rate in 2023. Defensively, he also put up good numbers in his most recent season in Louisville, winning 165 duels at a success rate of 58.7 percent and recording 35 interceptions. As LouCity loads up for a run at both the Players’ Shield and the USL Championship title, this is another example of the rich getting richer in terms of their squad depth.