TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
LAFC coach Bob Bradley says he's drawing inspiration from his days with the 1998 Chicago Fire as opposed to 2017 darlings Atlanta United as he prepares to lead his expansion side into its inaugural season. The club's latest reported move, however, appears to be right out of the Five Stripes' playbook of signing young, top-end South American talent.
Uruguayan journalist Wilson Mendez reported Wednesday afternoon that 19-year-old forward Diego Rossi was set to move to MLS for a $3 million transfer fee, later following up that LAFC would be the destination for the Uruguayan Under-20 international:
Rossi, who currently plies his trade with five-time South American champions Peñarol, has gotten his career off to a promising start with the Uruguayan giants. He made his senior debut at age 18 in the Copa Libertadores – the continent's premier club competition – and has racked up 11 goals in 2,239 minutes in Uruguayan Primera DIvision.
At the international level, Rossi featured for his country at both the 2015 U-17 South American Championship – where he netted three goals – and at the 2017 U-20 equivalent.
Bradley and LAFC are currently in the process of building their roster for the 2018, with Mexican international Carlos Vela standing as their marquee signing to date. The club has also added Argentine forward Rodrigo Pacheco as well as two players who spent the 2017 season on loan with USL's Orange County SC – ex-Chivas USA midfielder Carlos Alvarez and Nigerian youngster Monday Etim.
