LAFC signs midfielder Sebastián Méndez in a trade with Orlando City SC
Announced today, LAFC signs midfielder Sebastián Méndez from Orlando City SC in an exchange for $300,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM). If certain contract requirements are met, Orlando City SC may receive an extra $225,000 in GAM in 2023 and $225,000 in GAM in 2024.
After spending almost four seasons in Orlando, the 25-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder has joined the Black and Gold. Méndez has played a total of 412 minutes this season in 13 outings, and has played for Orlando in 83 games overall with 59 starts while tallying one goal and one assist over 4,506 minutes. Best recognized for his defensive skills, he helped Orlando City in making back-to-back MLS Cup Playoff berths in 2020 and 2021.
”We are excited to add a dynamic midfielder with extensive MLS and international experience like Sebastián,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington as LAFC signs midfielder Sebastián Méndez. “Sebastián’s physical and technical qualities will complement our midfield, and we are excited to see the value he will bring to LAFC.”
Méndez transferred from Independiente del Valle of Ecuador’s Serie A to Orlando City in December 2018 and made his Major League Soccer debut against New York City FC on March 2, 2019 against New York City FC. From 2015 to 2019, he made 83 overall appearances, recording four goals and five assists across all matches played.
Since his MLS debut in 2018, Méndez has made 30 appearances for Ecuador’s senior national team. He also participated in seven World Cup qualification games for Ecuador, which aided their qualification for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Additionally, he has competed for Ecuador at the U-17 and U-20 levels.
As LAFC signs midfielder Sebastián Méndez, the Black and Gold have added a technical complement to their midfield game. If Méndez is eventually dealt, Orlando City will also keep a portion of his transfer fee.
