LAFC announced today that the Club has agreed to terms with forward Brian Rodriguez as a Young Designated Player. Rodriquez arrives from Club Atlético Peñarol of Uruguay’s Primera División and will be added to LAFC’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
“Brian is an exciting and dynamic player who is one of the top talents in South America,” LAFC EVP & General Manager John Thorrington said. “Acquiring a player of Brian’s quality in this window is another powerful statement from LAFC about our commitment to winning and building a Club that excites our supporters.”
The 19-year-old forward joins LAFC after spending his professional career coming up the ranks of Uruguayan giants Peñarol. This season, Rodriguez tallied one goal and four assists in nine league contests. He also started five of the six group stage matches he appeared in during the 2019 Copa Libertadores, registering three assists in 439 minutes.
In addition to acquiring Rodriguez, LAFC and Peñarol have entered into a significant partnership that includes an exhibition match between the teams in 2020, and an exchange of coaching, academy and player resources.
"We're very excited to bring Brian to LAFC," said LAFC head coach, Bob Bradley. "He is an exciting player that will fit in with our style of football, and we can't wait to work with him."
Last year, the Uruguayan international saw action in two league matches, including his first team league debut on March 28, 2018. Rodriguez also played in four games during the Torneo Intermedio, notching one goal in 124 minutes. In all, Rodriguez would register three goals and nine assists in 26 matches across all competitions for Peñarol.
Internationally, Rodriguez most recently represented Uruguay at the U-20 FIFA World Cup this past summer in Poland, starting three of the team’s four matches. He scored and assisted during Uruguay’s 3-1 win over Norway in the first group match, before adding his second of the tournament during the 2-0 victory over New Zealand.
Rodriguez made his international debut for the U-17 side during an international friendly against France on October 9, 2018. He would make another appearance for the U-17s during the 2017 South American Championship before joining the U-20 side in 2018. Overall, Rodriguez has scored six goals in 19 international matches.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) agrees to terms with 19-year-old forward Brian Rodriguez to a Young Designated Player contract.
