LAFC are stacking up international talent on their roster as they count down to their 2018 expansion debut, and recent reports suggest that they could soon be splashing out for another impact signing, specifically from the home of the defending European champions.
LAFC have been connected to young Portuguese midfield talents Francisco Geraldes and Andre Horta, either of whom would likely fill the club’s third and final Designated Player slot as well as requiring hefty investment in terms of salary and transfer fee.
Horta, 21, is a highly rated Portugal youth international owned by Benfica, but currently on a season-long loan at Braga. Capable of playmaking or working box-to-box, he was the subject of heavy loan interest from English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion over the summer but Benfica elected to keep him closer to home.
Lisbon-based publication A Bola reported on Saturday that LAFC have made a €7 million ($8.4 million) bid for Horta, with both player and club open to the deal; apparently his stint at Braga can be cut short if Benfica desire.
Geraldes, 22, is a Sporting CP attacking midfielder who boasts a similar skillset and is presently working in similar circumstances to his countryman – having risen through Sporting’s academy, the youth national teamer is now on loan at Rio Ave. NBC Sports are one of several outlets to have reported that he’s on LAFC’s radar.
LAFC and their head coach Bob Bradley are hard at work filling out their roster this winter, with Mexican star Carlos Vela and Uruguayan striker Diego Rossi already signed as their first two Designated Players.