LAFC announced today that the Club has signed 27-year-old defender Andy Najar from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht. The Honduran international returns to MLS after spending the past eight seasons in Belgium’s top division. LAFC used its No. 1 spot in the MLS Allocation Ranking to sign Najar who will be added to the Club’s roster upon expiration of his current contract with Anderlecht on July 1 and receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“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.”
Najar began his professional career in 2010 after becoming D.C. United’s second-ever Homegrown signing. In his first season in MLS, Najar was voted the MLS Rookie of the Year after tallying five goals and one assist in 26 MLS contests. In three seasons with D.C. United, Najar appeared in 82 regular season matches (72 starts), notching 10 goals and 11 assists in 6,550 minutes.
After three years with D.C. United, Najar would be transferred to RSC Anderlecht, becoming Major League Soccer’s first-ever Homegrown player to permanently join a European side. In his first season at Anderlecht, Najar helped the team to its 33rd league title, while registering three goals and three assists across all competitions.
At Anderlecht, Najar scored a total of 14 goals and added 16 assists in 164 matches, including seven UEFA Champions League contests and 20 Europa League games. While in Belgium, Najar won two league titles and the Belgian Super Cup three times.
Internationally, the 5-foot-7 defender made his senior team debut with Honduras during a 2-0 friendly loss against Colombia on September 4, 2011. His first international goal came in the Quarterfinals of the 2013 Gold Cup – a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica. In 2014, Najar would also make the 23-man FIFA World Cup roster, appearing in two group stage matches in Brazil. In all, he has four goals in 36 appearances for the senior national team.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) acquires defender Andy Najar from RSC Anderlecht of the Belgian First Division using its No. 1 spot in the MLS Allocation Ranking.
VITALS:
Full Name: Andy Najar
Position: Defender
Born: 03/16/1993
Height: 5-7
Weight: 150 lbs.
Birthplace: Choluteca, Honduras
Last Club: RSC Anderlecht
Citizenship: Honduras
Instagram: @andy.najar7
