OFFICIAL: Atlanta United sign former Premier League striker Kenwyne Jones

Atlanta United officially announced the signing of the 31-year-old Trinidad and Tobago striker, Kenwyne Jones, today. He will be loaned out reportedly to Central FC in his home country until December, and join Atlanta at training camp in January. The club’s announcement confirms the rumors about the player that began on July 13.

#ATLUTD signs striker @kenwynejonestt https://t.co/wNfMs4terH pic.twitter.com/RktwcUi4am

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 15, 2016

"Kenwyne is a player we have known about and watched for a long time," said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra in a press release. "He is a big physical forward who can punish you in the air or behind the defense. We're very happy that the timing worked out and we were able to acquire him during this transfer window."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it’s not expected that he’ll occupy a Designated Player spot. He was released by Cardiff City earlier this year and was unattached to a club before signing with Atlanta United.

"Kenwyne is a well-known player in the region, with top level production and experience in England and for the Trinidad and Tobago National Team," said Bocanegra. "He is an absolute handful for defenders."

The former Southampton, Sunderland, and Stoke City striker has scored 105 goals in 376 appearances for several different clubs. Jones also has 23 international goals in 81 appearances for the Soca Warriors. In 2007, the year following Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup appearance, Jones was named Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s Player of the Year. He also serves as the team’s captain.

Stay tuned to Dirty South Soccer for more coverage of Kenwyne Jones and additional Atlanta United news.