The Galaxy officially announced the arrival of midfielder Lucas Sanabria on Saturday, signing the Uruguayan to a five-year contract through 2029.
The 21-year-old midfielder joins from Nacional in Uruguay. His rise has been quick. He signed his professional contract in January 2024 and in 46 appearances, he recorded five goals and four assists.
Sanabria will occupy an MLS U22 Initiative roster spot.
The Galaxy midfield has undergone a revision, with Gaston Brugman (Nashville SC) and Mark Delgado (LAFC) being traded away, Riqui Puig recovering from his ACL injury and the arrival of Elijah Wynder (Louisville City FC).
“He’s an 8, who in a pinch he can play as a 6,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said of Sanabria. “The things I’ve seen from him, I really like him having some freedom to be more up and down, mobile and find his moments to be involved in the attack.
“Not just sitting in front of the back line. What I see of his characteristics are very interesting. His high-level of awareness, great work rate, technically very clean, all good qualities for midfielder inside of our group. He’s young and I think he’s going to be a dynamic player who is going to grow inside of our team.
“Part of it is getting used to the players around him so he can connect in that regard. The sooner we can get him on the training field and working in collaboration with Joe (Joseph Paintsil) and Gabe (Gabriel Pec), Miki (Yamane), John (Nelson) and Julian (Aude), depending on which side we see him on once he gets used to those guys and their tendencies, that will help him as well.”
Preseason continues
The Galaxy will face Charlotte FC at 10 a.m. Sunday in Indio at the Coachella Valley Invitational. The exhibition game will air on KCOP (Ch. 13).
The Galaxy begin defense of their MLS Cup championship on Feb. 23 against expansion club San Diego FC at Dignity Health Sports Park.