TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Reports
LAFC appear set to add another young midfielder, as reports have surfaced that the reigning Supporters’ Shield champs have signed Ecuadorian midfielder Jose Cifuentes.
The most concrete report comes from Ecuagol, an outlet reporting that Cifuentes has been acquired for $3 million on a four-year deal. Their story also includes a photo of Cifuentes posing alongside LAFC executive vice president of soccer operations and general manager John Thorrington, with pen and paper in hand.
On Friday evening, the LAFC Twitter account also teased news via a hat being sent to undisclosed recipient. Often, they've done that before a signing is made.
Cifuentes, who turns 21 in March, has previously played for America de Quito and Universidad Catolica. On the international stage, Cifuentes has already earned three caps for Ecuador's senior national team and enjoyed a starring role at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. At the event, he started all seven games as La Tricolor beat Italy to finish in third place.
The move would mark LAFC’s second signing from that Ecuador U-20 team, as left back Diego Palacios was transferred from Aucas last August. The U-20 World Cup has already proven fruitful for the Black & Gold, with a pair of Uruguayans also coming onboard in forward Brian Rodriguez and midfielder Francisco Ginella.
LAFC begin their Concacaf Champions League quest Feb. 18 at Club Leon, and start their 2020 MLS season March 1 against newcomers Inter Miami CF.
