LAFC sign Ilie Sanchez

LAFC has filled a key void in its midfield.

LAFC made a major move on Wednesday, as they announced they had signed midfielder Ilie Sanchez, who had spent all five of his seasons in MLS with Sporting Kansas City. Sanchez is expected to fill the void left by the departure of Eduard Atuesta, who was sold to Brazilian side Palmeiras back in December.

“Ilie is a player I have long admired not only for his ability on the field but also for his character and professionalism, which make him a great fit for us,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “We trust these qualities will help LAFC in our commitment to winning on and off the field for years to come.”

Sanchez has been impressive since coming to MLS in 2017. Sanchez’s best season came in 2018, where he was name to the MLS All-Star team and ranked in the top five in nearly every passing and midfield statistic or metric. Sanchez was voted Kansas City’s team MVP that season. Sanchez was just as vital to Sporting the next season, as he helped SKC reach the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals. Altogether, Sanchez appeared in 171 matches, scoring 11 goals and registered 13 assists for Sporting Kansas City.

Sanchez, a native of Barcelona, participated in Barcelona’s youth academy started his professional career with Barcelona’s B squad, where he played for five seasons, before moving on to 1860 Munich, where he spent two seasons before his move to MLS.