LAFC has signed Spanish striker Mario González from SC Braga for a reported fee of €3m. The 27-year-old Spaniard was signed using targeted allocation money (TAM). He will occupy an international roster slot upon the receipt of his P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
González's journey
For months, the Black and Gold faithful have been clamoring for a true No. 9 to complement the host of talented wingers at the LAFC. Following the transfer of Kwadwo “Mahala” Opoku to CF Montreal, head coach Steve Cherundolo has been open about the club’s intention to add reinforcements. González looks to be the perfect fit.
After coming up through the Villareal academy, González had his breakout 2020/21 season in Portugal, finishing fourth in the golden boot race with 14 goals and two assists for C.D. Tondela. González then signed a four-year contract with SC Braga. After six months, he was loaned back to his home country for the rest of the year before being sent on loan again to Oud-Heverlee Leuven in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League. In his 24 games in all competitions last season for OH Leuven, González recorded 15 goals and two assists.
Seeing his success, LAFC hopped on the phone with SC Braga, who began the search for his next club as González returned from loan. With Ricardo Horta and Simon Banza at Braga, the 27-year-old striker was surplus to requirements. LAFC, in desperate need of a striker, was happy to take him off Braga’s hands.
What González brings to LAFC
Now González joins a front three alongside Carlos Vela and Dénis Bouanga. González’s deft finishing ability combined with his elite box movement is exactly what the Angelinos have been craving in their recent slump. Since the departure of Cristian "Chicho" Arango in the offseason, LAFC has been heavily dependent on Bouanga and Vela to provide the goals. Finally, they have help in the form of a true No. 9 striker. In a perfect world for LAFC, González will be a bigger and faster Arango.
González’s first chance at silverware with LAFC will be in the inaugural Leagues Cup in which LAFC have a bye to the 32-team knockout stage due to last season’s championship. Off until July 24th, LAFC players will be greeted by a new teammate upon their return to prepare for the Leagues Cup. A knockout round debut could be on the horizon.
