Sergi Palencia, a defender from Spain, joined Los Angeles FC on Thursday under a two-year deal that runs through the 2024 campaign.
The 26-year-old Palencia has transferred from Saint-Étienne of France’s Ligue 2 to the reigning Major League Soccer champions. His contract with LAFC contains a 2025 contract option.
Palencia played only nine games for Saint-Étienne but was a previous teammate of LAFC attacker Denis Bouanga. He was on loan to Leganés for the past two seasons in Spain’s second tier.
Ilie Sanchez, a new teammate for LAFC, and Palencia are both graduates of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia youth system.
Since claiming its first championship last year, LAFC has endured a great deal of change. Prior to the start of training camp, LAFC’s top striker Gareth Bale unexpectedly announced his retirement. On Wednesday, star Colombian forward Cristian “Chicho” Arango transferred to Liga MX’s Pachuco in a cost-saving move that substantially reduced LAFC’s forward talent and depth.
Along with Carlos Vela and Bouanga, LAFC also has a vacant designated player position. In the summer, the team already signed potential 20-year-old Croatian attacker Stipe Biuk.