Rumor: LAFC interested in Danish-American defender Ryan Laursen

A report from Denmark indicates Los Angeles Football Club are one of three teams who could be interested in Danish-American defender Ryan Laursen.

Ekstra Bladet reported on Thursday that three MLS teams had shown interest in Laursen, with the Colorado Rapids and D.C. United also linked to the 26-year-old alongside LAFC.

Laursen currently plays at Danish club OB, where he’s been since 2017. Prior to that, the fullback played in Denmark for Esbjerg and Lyngby.

But the report indicates that Laursen, who was a Danish youth international, is an American citizen, reportedly born in Long Beach and with an American mother, and he’s interested in drawing U.S. Men’s National Team interest, something that could be kickstarted with a move to MLS. He would also be an unusual international signing for an MLS team, as he would presumably count as a domestic player and wouldn’t take up an international roster slot. That he plays in Denmark would also likely indicate that he wouldn’t be especially expensive, but that’s just speculation, admittedly.

Laursen is said to be capable of playing both left back and right back, and seems to have played mostly as a right back. The Rapids just traded for Keegan Rosenberry so they appear to not need a right back anymore, but right back does appear to be a position of need for D.C. United this offseason.

LAFC, meanwhile, probably could use another left back to go with newcomer Mohamed El-Munir, but unless a signing is a real cut above Steven Beitashour and Tristan Blackmon, right back probably doesn’t seem to be as big of a priority as, say, center back. So in that way, I’m not sure if Laursen would be a good fit. The original report indicates that no team has made an offer for the player yet, so I’d put this transfer rumor as a solid “Meh, it’s possible” for the moment. It could happen, but given the multiple teams said to be interested, I don’t think you should be putting “Laursen” on an LAFC jersey you buy just yet. We’ll keep you posted.

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