LAFC announced two deals this week involving La Liga teams and its players
LAFC: A TWEAKED SUMMER SHAKEDOWN
The tweaks are almost complete. John Thorrington’s now infamous comments regarding LAFC’s roster overhaul sure look like were said long ago. They weren’t. And now, 2 DPs later, the moves seem complete, with the Spanish La Liga at the center of the Summer transactions for the Black and Gold.
Reprodução: La Liga da Espanha
It took less than 12 months, and suddenly, LAFC’s roster looks more like a collective of experienced Europeans at the expense of the young and up-and-coming South Americans, heavily featured during the last couple of years. The question is whether the coaching staff can reel in the individual talents signed by the front office while producing a memorable collective body of work.
Nonetheless, the mid-season roster shakedown is likely over. Now, it’s up to this reformulated roster to take the team towards a possible Double, conquering the Supporter’s Shield and raising the MLS Cup in the same year.
MAMADOU FALL – VILLAREAL
The departure of young talent will likely not stop at Mamadou Fall. After Eddie Segura’s return to the starting lineup, the Senegalese simply didn’t find any minutes among the plethora of center-backs. The destination for the LAFC product is once again the Spanish League, the same that took on Brian Rodriguez, only to send him back without a purchase offer after the season ended. Two years later, Brian was sold at a discount to a Liga MX team. With Fall moving to Spain, LAFC’s hopes to see it’s first true academy player shine and move into a more significant stage after a stint with Villarreal 2 while erasing some of the stigma that lingered after Brian came back.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Mamadou, and one that we felt was right at this stage of his career,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “He is an incredible prospect with great potential who now has the chance to develop further at a top European club. We will be monitoring his progress closely and wish him all the best with Villarreal.”
Fall joined LAFC at the age of 18 on June 4, 2021, from the Soccer Institute of Montverde Academy in Orlando, FL., and appeared in a total of 35 regular season matches for the Black & Gold (29 starts) over two seasons, scoring five goals. Fall made 16 regular appearances this season (13 starts) and scored his lone goal in stoppage time to equalize the match vs. Portland on March 6 at Banc of California Stadium.
CRISTIAN TELLO – REAL BETIS / FREE AGENT
On the offensive side of the ball, LAFC knew it needed to replace Brian Rodriguez, which basically forced his way out of Los Angeles. With Cristian Tello hitting the free agency market, LAFC saw it as an opportunity to replenish a position that makes up the spine of this team. The team always look to create imbalance on the left with Palacios, Cifu and the left winger while Arango, Bale and Vela typically provide far side support. That’s been the primarily the formula for Dolo’s success.
Cristian Tello signs through 2022, with Club options for 2023 and 2024 so there’s a lot the team can do if the signing doesn’t result as planned. Tello will nonetheless occupy an international roster slot upon receiving his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“Cristian is a dangerous attacker and a great fit to what we are building at LAFC,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “He has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world and has succeeded in high-pressure situations like the Champions League. We are excited to welcome him, his wife, and family to L.A. as we continue to work towards our ultimate goal of winning championships.”
Tello, 31, joins LAFC after spending the last five years with Spanish La Liga side Real Betis. The Sabadell, Spain native has enjoyed a successful career in Europe, appearing with Barcelona, Porto (Portugal), Fiorentina (Italy, Serie A) and Real Betis (La Liga).
In his career, Tello played in 21 UEFA Champions League matches with Barcelona and Porto, scoring six goals. He also played 17 times in the Europa League for Fiorentina and Real Betis.
WHATS NEXT FOR LAFC?
With the moves now seemingly done, LAFC looks to conquer one if not two of MLS’s titles while making a convincing run through the Concachamps in 2023, all while avoiding the distractions that come with player movement.
I suppose it’s Cup or Bust for this team. In that case, questions remain whether the front office did enough to address some of the notable departures from the 2021 team, like right-back Kim Moon Hwan, midfielders Kaye and Atuesta, and MLS ultimate hustler Daniel Musovski.
(Cover: LAFC)
