LAFC have added to their attacking ranks with the signing of forward Cristian Olivera from Spanish first division side UD Almeria.
Olivera joins the Black and Gold on a deal through the 2026 MLS season with an option for 2027. The 21-year-old has been signed under the MLS U22 initiative and will take up an international roster slot.
Before joining LAFC, Olivera had stints with Club Atletico Penarol and Rentistas in Uruguay. The forward has also featured for the Uruguay U17 national team, making eight appearances and scoring three goals.
"Cristian is a dynamic young player with fantastic attacking qualities that will fit well within our group and excite our supporters," LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said.
"We are excited to welcome Cristian and his family to LAFC and know that he will help achieve our ongoing ambition of winning more trophies."
In order to sign Olivera, LAFC had to acquire the forward's Discovery Rights. In short, Discovery Rights in MLS is essentially a list of players that each club has that allows them have the 'first dibs' on signing them.
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LAFC acquired Olivera's Discover Rights by shelling out $175k in 2023 General Allocation Money. Olivera joins one of the best attacking units in MLS that boasts Golden Boot candidate Denis Bouanga (12 goals in 2023 in MLS), Carlos Vela, and Mateusz Bogusz.
After the 2022 MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield champions decimated FC Juarez 7-1 with ease, they now prepare for their Leagues Cup round of 16 clash on August 8. They'll face off against either Real Salt Lake or Liga MX side Club Leon, which would set up a rematch of the 2023 Concacaf Champions League final that LAFC lost 3-1 on aggregate.
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This article was originally published on 90min as LAFC confirm signing of Cristian Olivera from La Liga's UD Almeria .
