LAFC sign teen defender Mohamed Traore

We wondered why Los Angeles Football Club made a trade last week to get the top slot in the MLS Waiver Order, and now we know.

LAFC announced Monday they have signed defender Mohamed Traore, claiming him through the Waiver Order to complete the deal.

Traore, 18, is a product of the Soccer Institute of Montverde Academy in Florida, the same residential program that one-time LAFC signing Monday Etim came from as well. Traore hails from Senegal and has played for Senegal’s U-17 National Team.

“Mohamed is an exciting, young player with a lot of potential,” LAFC EVP of Soccer Operations & General Manager John Thorrington said in a team statement. “We believe getting him in our environment will help him continue to grow and develop and prepare him for success at this level.”

So expect Traore to provide depth at central defense and likely to be a bit of a project. Then again, with LAFC a bit thin on the backline, he could see some playing time, although I would expect it to come off the bench.

We’ll see if LAFC stand pat the rest of the transfer window, or if they’ll be looking to add any more defenders or forwards in 2020. With Adama Diomande’s departure last week, they could use another forward, but then again they have Bradley Wright-Phillips already and Carlos Vela is expected to be back for the upcoming games, beginning Saturday against the LA Galaxy. And don’t forget the three LAFC academy products signed just before the MLS is Back Tournament, too. We’ll keep you posted if we hear more on the transfer front for the black and gold.

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