The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced today the signing of 28-year-old forward Adama Diomande from Hull City of the Championship. Diomande will occupy an international slot on LAFC’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 visa. The signing occurred prior to the close of the International Transfer Window on May 1 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
“We are excited to add Adama to our Club,” said EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager, John Thorrington. “Adama is a dangerous striker who will add another element to our attack. He has top-level international and club experience, and, with his familiarity with Bob, we expect him to contribute immediately. In Adama, we are signing another very good player in the prime of his career.”
Diomande is re-united with LAFC head coach Bob Bradley, who coached Diomande in 2015 at Stabaek IF in Norway, where Diomande scored 25 goals and added three assists in 26 appearances.
“Adama is a quality goalscorer who brings the experience of playing at a high level in Europe,” said LAFC head coach Bob Bradley. “We believe he will have a strong impact in MLS.”
This past season, Diomande saw action in 19 games across all competitions for Hull City, scoring one goal and adding two assists along the way. Since joining the English club in 2015, Diomande tallied eight goals and three assists in 64 matches.
Born in Oslo, Norway, Diomande began his career at the youth academies of Holmlia, Vålerenga and FK Lyn. He would go on to make his senior debut for Lyn on October 19, 2008.
After a successful campaign in Norway’s third division with IL Hödd in 2011, in which he registered 14 goals and six assists in 28 contests, Diomande would join Norwegian giants Strømsgodset IF. During his three seasons with the club, Diomande notched 16 goals in 51 official matches, while also helping the club to a league title in 2013. Following a two-year stint with Dinamo Minsk of the Belarus first division, Diomande joined Bradley in Stabaek.
Internationally, Diomande made his senior debut on June 12, 2015, playing the last 11 minutes of Norway’s 0-0 draw against Azerbaijan in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match. In all, he has appeared in 11 matches for Norway, including five FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His lone goal and assist came in Norway’s 4-1 victory over San Marino on October 11, 2016.
TRANSACTION – Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) acquires 28-year-old forward Adama Diomande from Hull City of the Championship.
VITALS
Name: Adama Diomande
Position: Forward
Born: 02/14/1990
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
Hometown: Oslo, Norway
Citizenship: Norway
