LAFC announced today that the Club acquired Ecuadorian midfielder Sebastián Méndez from Orlando City SC in exchange for $300,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM). Orlando could receive an additional $225,000 in GAM in 2023 and $225,000 in GAM in 2024 if certain contract conditions are met. Additionally, Orlando City will retain a percentage of Méndez’s future transfer fee should the midfielder be dealt.
”We are excited to add a dynamic midfielder with extensive MLS and international experience like Sebastián,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “Sebastián’s physical and technical qualities will complement our midfield, and we are excited to see the value he will bring to LAFC.”
Méndez, 25, joins LAFC after spending nearly four seasons with Orlando City SC. He has made 13 appearances for a total of 412 minutes played this season. Overall, Méndez has made 83 appearances for Orlando (59 starts), registering one goal and one assist in 4,506 minutes.
Méndez signed with Orlando City via transfer from Independiente del Valle of Ecuador’s Serie A in December of 2018 and made his MLS debut on March 2, 2019 against New York City FC.
A native of Mira, Ecuador, Méndez made his professional debut on March 7, 2015 with Ecuador’s Serie A side Independiente del Valle. Overall, Méndez made 83 appearances and registered four goals and five assists across all competitions from 2015- 2019.
Méndez has appeared 30 times for Ecuador’s senior national team since his debut in 2018, and he played in seven World Cup qualifying matches for Ecuador, helping them secure their spot in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He has also represented Ecuador at the U-17 and U-20 level.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) acquires midfielder Sebastián Méndez in exchange for $300,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). Orlando could receive an additional $225,000 in GAM in 2023 and $225,000 in GAM in 2024 if Méndez signs a new deal with LAFC on or before the 2023 Roster Compliance Date. Additionally, Orlando City will retain a percentage of Méndez’s future transfer fee should the midfielder be dealt.
