LAFC acquire Ramirez from Minnesota United

FORWARD Christian Ramirez, Minnesota United’s leading goal-scorer last season and second-leading goal-scorer this season, was traded to Los Angeles FC yesterday in a cash deal.

The Loons will receive US$250,000 in general allocation money this year, US$250,000 in general allocation money next year, US$100,000 in targeted allocation money this year and US$200,000 in targeted allocation money next year.

LAFC could owe Minnesota up to another US$200,000 depending on Ramirez’s goal totals in 2018 and 2019. Striker Romelu Lukaku showed his all-round quality in Belgium’s run to third place at the finals and proved he can offer more than being just a battering ram target. If Pogba, Sanchez and Lukaku click together, United have the potential to be an exciting team going forward with Fred offering help to Nemanja Matic in the centre of midfield. Perhaps the final days of the transfer window will bring the kind of reinforcements that will satisfy him but as it stands it is hard to escape the feeling United will again be in the top four without the quality to go all the way. – Reuters

Ramirez, a 27-year-old Southern California native, moved from the North American Soccer League to Major League Soccer with Minnesota United when the club joined the top-level circuit last year. He wound up with 14 goals and three assists in 30 games (27 starts) in 2017.

“To be able to add a proven MLS goal scorer in Christian is a win for us,”

LAFC general manager John Thorrington said. “He is a player we have monitored for a while, and are incredibly excited to welcome him home to Los Angeles.” – Reuters