LAFC has acquired Mexican defender Omar Campos on a permanent transfer, the club announced on Tuesday.
The acquisition, guaranteed through 2027 with a club option for 2028, makes the sought-after left back, who had been courted by European clubs including Barcelona, the anticipated replacement for Diego Palacios following his recent free agent departure to Brazil.
Joining Major League Soccer as part of the U22 Initiative, Campos, 21, began as a youth for Club Santos Laguna in 2015 prior to joining its senior team six years later at the age of 18.
“I’m no longer the child who arrived. Now I’m an adult,” Campos, a native of Mexico City, said in a statement. “Santos gave me everything since I arrived, and the truth is that I am very grateful.”
Campos made 114 appearances (110 starts) for Santos in all competitions, including 17 Liga MX postseason matches, two CONCACAF Champions League contests, and, last year, a pair of Leagues Cup starts. Overall, he scored eight goals and added three assists.
In mid-December, Campos’ on-field progression led to his first cap with the Mexican national team late during an exhibition match against Colombia at the Coliseum, just across the street from his new home, BMO Stadium.
Heading to L.A. for a $4 million guaranteed fee, Campos will occupy an international roster slot and join LAFC’s preseason group pending receipt of his international transfer certificate and P1 visa.
“Omar is an incredibly talented left back with incredible potential and vast experience in Liga MX despite his young age,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “Omar is a fantastic addition to our strong group of defenders, and we are confident this move to LAFC will be a positive one for Omar and our club in our pursuit of more trophies. I would also like to thank Santos and the Orlegi group for their cooperation throughout the process.”
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