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Update: Sam Stejskal of The Athletic reported essentially the same as the report cited below later on Friday, clarifying that the deal would be a transfer, with LAFC retaining 50 percent of Horta’s resale value. Stejskal also reported that Benfica have the right to match the offer, presumably getting the right of first refusal as the previous selling club.
Bottom line? This story has real legs.
Los Angeles Football Club midfielder Andre Horta has struggled in his year stateside, and with his troubles continuing, rumors begin emerging about his future.
Portuguese outlet A Bola reported on Friday that Horta will be headed back to Braga, where he played prior to joining LAFC. The report indicates that Portuguese Primeira club would pay €2 million (about $2.67 million at current rate) for 50 percent of Horta’s rights, with the player signing a 5-year deal. Whether that would officially be a loan or outright sale is unclear.
Horta, 22, is one of LAFC’s three Designated Players, signed last year from Benfica for reportedly around $6 million, while he was playing on loan at Braga. He was regarded as one of the biggest rising stars in Portugal, but he has yet to find any traction with LAFC, between injuries and his style of play, which does not seem to mesh with Bob Bradley’s approach. Bradley appeared to call out Horta, without naming him specifically, after LAFC’s recent win over Montreal, as the midfielder came off the bench, gave up possession easily and was the only player on his team to slow the game down when the rest of the team was trying to play quickly.
When asked about the rumor by Angels on Parade, an LAFC spokesperson responded with no comment.
Regardless, it will be interesting to see what happens for Horta this summer. He has played just over 500 minutes in league play for LAFC, and has made a mere five starts. but following a full preseason at the club, he has struggled, and it looks more and more possible a move away could happen. Given the context, it seems likely he could go somewhere, but we’ll have to see if this story has legs. We’ll keep you posted.
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