LA Galaxy Acquire Defender Tony Alfaro in Trade with NYCFC

 LA Galaxy Acquire Defender Tony Alfaro in Trade with NYCFC

LA Galaxy Acquire Defender Tony Alfaro in Trade with NYCFC(Image-Getty)

The Los Angeles Galaxy have made a trade with New York City FC, as confirmed by both clubs on Tuesday. The Galaxy have acquired Tony Alfaro, an experienced defender in Major League Soccer (MLS).

In return for Alfaro, who is 30 years old and plays as a center back, the Galaxy have sent $125,000 of 2023 General Allocation Money (GAM) to NYC. Additionally, if certain performance-based incentives are achieved, the Cityzens will receive an extra $375,000 in GAM.

This trade marks Alfaro's move to his fourth MLS team, having previously played for the Seattle Sounders FC and D.C. United. Prior to joining NYCFC as a free agent during the offseason, he made six appearances (four of them as a starter) this year. Throughout his MLS career, Alfaro has participated in 74 regular-season games, starting 46 of them, and has contributed 1 goal and 2 assists.

Head coach and sporting director Greg Vanney expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Tony to the LA Galaxy. His skills as a player, MLS experience, and versatility to play different defensive roles will be valuable additions to our team. We aim to integrate him into the squad quickly."

The addition of Alfaro provides the Galaxy with depth in their defense, particularly as they recently lost Martín Cáceres to a long-term knee injury and released Séga Coulibaly. Presently, Jalen Neal and Chris Mavinga, both homegrown players, are the key center backs on the Galaxy's roster.

Due to certain sanctions, the Galaxy's options for roster changes during the Secondary Transfer Window (which is open until August 2) are limited, preventing them from signing players from outside the United States.

Meanwhile, NYCFC still has Maxime Chanot, Justin Haak, Thiago Martins, and James Sands to bolster their defensive line. Their primary focus during the transfer window has been strengthening their offense, beginning with the recent acquisition of Algerian U22 Initiative forward Mounsef Bakrar.

NYCFC's sporting director, David Lee, expressed gratitude towards Alfaro for his contributions to the club, saying, "We would like to thank Tony for his dedication to the team. His professionalism and leadership have played a significant role within the squad. We wish Tony all the best in Los Angeles."