Los Angeles Football Club’s Brian Rodriguez is headed to Europe.
Rodriguez, 20, will join Almeria of the Spanish second division on loan. The loan, which begins immediately, will become permanent if “certain performance thresholds are met.”
The move went through Monday on the final day of the winter transfer period across Europe.
“Brian is joining Almería as they make a strong push for promotion to Spain’s top division,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington. “Since his arrival in 2019, Brian has been a focal point of our attack and success, and we believe that this deal will give him the opportunity to play meaningful games at the highest levels of European football.”
Rodriguez was signed as a Designated Player in August of 2019 from Penarol in Uruguay for a reported fee of $11.5 million.
In his short stint with LAFC, the right wing made 26 appearances, scoring two goals and seven assists.
He joins an Almeria club that is currently in third place in the second division and fighting for promotion to the top division.
Rodriguez had been linked with several clubs in Europe almost from his arrival with LAFC.
The loan deal is through the end of Almeria’s season in May.
Presuming the loan becomes permanent, the move opens a Designated Player spot for LAFC. Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi occupy the other two.
