TRANSFER TRACKER SIGNING: Transfer
LAFC announced on Wednesday they have signed forward Rodolfo Zelaya, through a transfer from Salvadoran side Alianza FC. He's signed a two-year contract and has a green card, so will not occupy an international roster slot.
The 30-year-old, nicknamed "Fito," is one of the top strikers in Central America and arguably the biggest star in El Salvador.
“We’re pleased to secure a player of Rodolfo’s quality as we continue our preparations for the 2019 season,” said general manager and EVP of soccer operations John Thorrington in a team statement. “Rodolfo is a proven goalscorer, both at the club and international levels, and he will add another dimension to our attack. Along with our supporters, we are excited to welcome him to Los Angeles and integrating him to the group as soon as possible.”
Zelaya has spent much of his career in his native El Salvador, playing for a series of small clubs before moving to Alianza in 2008. He's had two stints abroad previously – at Mexican side Club Leon, when they were in the second tier, and at Russian side Alania Vladikavkaz, in the top two divisions. Since returning to Alianza in 2014, he's won four league titles and featured in Concacaf Champions League, while also winning the Golden Boot in the Salvadoran top flight three times.
The striker, who is likely to be a rotational option for Bob Bradley, is an El Salvador international, having played in four Concacaf Gold Cups and scored 21 goals in 44 appearances for his country.
