LAFC announced today the signing of midfielder José Cifuentes from América de Quito using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). The 20-year-old Ecuadorian international will occupy an international spot on the Club’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
LAFC initially traded $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Orlando City SC in exchange for Cifuentes’ rights.
“José was one of our top offseason priorities after very strong showings for his club and on the international stage,” said LAFC EVP & General Manager John Thorrington. “We’re confident that he will fit in seamlessly into our system, and we are very pleased that he’s chosen to continue his professional career with LAFC.”
Cifuentes, 20, becomes the seventh South American player under the age of 22 to sign with the Black & Gold. He arrives in MLS after spending the last two campaigns with Ecuadorian Serie A side, CD América. In 2019, Cifuentes appeared in 17 league contests and two cup matches.
The 5-foot-9 defensive midfielder began his career in 2016 with CD Universidad Católica, making his first team debut on July 17 during a 2-2 draw against Fuerza Amarilla. Cifuentes would play in six matches with Universidad Católica before his transfer to CD América.
In 19 appearances for Ecuador’s U-20 side, Cifuentes played 1,701 out of a possible 1,740 minutes. Alongside LAFC teammate Diego Palacios, Cifuentes won the 2019 South American U-20 Championship and placed third at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup last summer.
Cifuentes made his senior debut during a 1-0 victory over Peru on September 6, 2019, playing the last nine minutes of the international friendly. He would earn his first start a month later, playing all 90 minutes of a 6-1 defeat against Argentina on October 13.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) signs 20-year-old midfielder José Cifuentes from América de Quito using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). The Club initially traded $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Orlando City SC in exchange for Cifuentes’ rights.
VITALS:
Full Name: José Cifuentes
Position: Midfielder
Born: 03/12/1999
Height: 5-8
Weight: 155 lbs.
Birthplace: Esmeraldas, Ecuador
Last Club: América de Quito
Citizenship: Ecuador
Instagram: @josec_51
