The same day MLSsoccer.com reported LAFC had acquired the No. 1 spot in the Allocation Ranking from Nashville SC - in the very same report, in fact - there were rumors of the Black & Gold's interest in former D.C. United right back Andy Najar. It was no secret the Honduran, under contract with Belgian side Anderlecht, was training with LAFC at the time to regain his fitness. A day later, he appeared in a celebratory photo in the LAFC dressing room after a miraculous comeback over León in the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16.
At that point, reports segued from rumors to speculation of when, not if, the proverbial other shoe would inevitably drop and Najar would be announced as an LAFC player.
The roster compliance date to start the 2020 MLS season came and went, no announcement. LAFC played in two regular-season matches before the MLS season and CCL were halted due to COVID-19. Needless to say, attention shifted in the three months since the rumors were first reported.
On Wednesday, LAFC officially announced the arrival of former MLS Rookie of the Year. Najar joins LAFC after the expiration of his contract with Anderlecht. It's a free transfer of sorts, taking into account LAFC sent $350k in GAM to Nashville to move up to the No. 1 spot in the Allocation Rankings (select US national team players, elite youth US internationals, and former MLS players returning to the league after joining a non-MLS club for a transfer fee greater than $500,000 are subject to the allocation list).
“Andy is a player that we have been monitoring for some time and we are delighted to officially welcome him to the Club,” said LAFC EVP & General Manager John Thorrington. “His resume, both in MLS and in Europe, speaks for itself, and we’re confident that his experience and versatility will only complement the group as we begin our return to play.”
Like many of LAFC high-profile moves, Najar's signing ticks multiple boxes for the Club. The right back joins a squad that is now legitimately two-deep at every position - a luxury ahead of the MLS is Back Tournament and a possible compacted schedule going forward.
Najar also provides flexibility. In the wake of Walker Zimmerman's trade weeks before the start of the season, it was assumed Tristan Blackmon would spend more time at center back this season - a position the Club believes he has the highest upside in the years to come. However, a combination of Dejan Jaković's exemplary play alongside Eddie Segura at the center of defense against León and to start the regular season and the lack of a replacement at fullback kept Blackmon on the right side of LAFC's defense.
As already mentioned, Najar's arrival remedies the need in that position. It also theoretically alleviates the need for Latif Blessing to be used as an auxiliary right back, freeing him to focus in central midfield where he was a force on the league's second-most active press according to stats from FBRef.com.
In terms of skillset, Najar possesses the profile that caters to LAFC's ideas on the pitch.
"On the right side of the field as a right back, he really fits with the way we play," said LAFC head coach Bob Bradley. "He's got the ability to come forward, he's athletic, his reactions when we lose the ball will fit in in the way we try to counterpress."
With any player that arrives at LAFC, but especially at fullback, that willingness to defend from the front is crucial to the game model. Modern fullbacks are seen as another weapon in attack but unlike many sides, Bradley requires his fullbacks to react and defend where they are instead of simply dropping back into the backline when the ball is lost. That takes situational awareness, a whole lot of willingness, and the athleticism to recover and help teammates when necessary.
Having started his career in MLS, Najar is familiar with the league. In Belgium, he was exposed to football and situations at the highest level with matches in both the Europa and Champions League. And as far as raw athleticism goes, one LAFC staff member has said Andy is the smoothest runner he's witnessed at this level, adding Najar wastes almost no energy on excess movements.
Injuries have been a concern for Najar. The defender originally came to LAFC to regain fitness after recovering from a second ACL injury in his career. He's just 27 though and maybe the only benefit of the long layoff has been the ability to get injured players fit again. Regardless, Bradley was quick to extinguish those fears.
"He comes off injury but we've been so impressed with the way he's worked to get back to full speed. He's chomping at the bit."
With his signing now official, Najar shared that sense of excitement.
"I saw the players they have. They have great players," said Najar, referring to the LAFC roster. "And also, they have the best player in the league. I think I can fit on the team.
"I'll give my best to them and try to help the team to be the champions."
