LAFC has bolstered its midfield, signing Montevideo Wanderers and Uruguay youth international Francisco Ginella, the club announced on Monday.
Uruguayan outlet Urugol -- the first to report Ginella's signing -- said that LAFC paid $2.5 million for 75% of Ginella's rights. One league source confirmed to ESPN FC that Ginella was signed to a four-year deal with the help of Targeted Allocation Money.
"At just 20 years old, Francisco brings a meaningful amount of experience at the professional and youth international levels," said LAFC EVP & general manager John Thorrington. "It is exciting for our club to sign a player of his quality and potential, and we are confident Francisco will prove to be a great fit for LAFC as we look ahead to our third season."
LAFC already has the maximum number of three Designated Players in league MVP Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez.
Ginella, 20, has spent his entire professional career with the Montevideo club, making 33 league and cup appearances and scoring one goal. Ginella has also seen extensive time at youth level, appearing for Uruguay's Under-22s at the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru as well as the FIFA U20 World Cup. In the latter competition, Ginella made three appearances and scored in the 3-1 group stage defeat of Norway. New teammate Rodriguez was also part of that Uruguay side.
Ginella is currently part of Uruguay's U23 squad that will take part in Olympic qualifying next month.
The Montevideo native will join a midfield that is currently occupied by Latif Blessing, Eduard Atuesta and Mark-Anthony Kaye. But the departure of Lee Nguyen, who was taken in the expansion draft by Inter Miami, should give Ginella opportunities for playing time.