LAFC acquires defender Denil Maldonado on loan
Announced today, LAFC acquires defender Denil Maldonado through the 2023 MLS season on loan and with an option to exercise a permanent transfer from the Honduran team CD Motagua. Upon receiving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa, the 24-year-old member of the Honduran National Team will be added to the roster.
“Denil is a strong, talented defender with considerate international experience and has captained teams to success,” said LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington as LAFC acquires defender Denil Maldonado. “He will provide great versatility and quality to our strong back line, We are excited to welcome Denil to LAFC and appreciate the support and collaboration from Montagua as well as his representative.”
Maldonado started playing at the U-17 level and has played in 21 games for the Honduran National Team, including nine 2022 World Cup qualifying games and three 2021 Tokyo Olympics games. The defender made his senior team debut on September 6, 2019 in a 4-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
Maldonado played three seasons with CD Motagua from 2018-2022, winning three titles (2018-19 Apertura & Clausura and 2021-22 Clausura)) and making a total of 116 appearances. He also scored five goals and registered two assists across all matches, including three game appearances in the Concacaf Champions League.
With three Copa MX appearances for Motagua before moving on loan to Liga MX team Club Pachuca in 2019, the Honduran later signed a loan deal in the 2020-2021 season with CD Everton to play for them in Chile’s top division. Before going back to Motagua, he played in 19 games, started in 13, and recorded one goal and one assist.
As LAFC acquires defender Denil Maldonado, his addition brings some depth to our roster along with championship experience.
