LAFC borrowed Uruguayan Striker Brian Rodríguez to Almería from Spain’s second division. The loan starts immediately and runs until the end of the Almería season in May, although it could become permanent if certain performance limits are reached.
Another LAFC Uruguayan playmaker and MLS top scorer in 2020 Diego Rossi had reportedly piqued the interest of Reading of England’s second division championship, but the transfer window closed on Monday with no deal announced.
Rodríguez, 20, joined the LAFC as a young designated player in August 2019 and played 26 games, scored two goals and led the team with seven assists last season when he finished second in the MLS under-22s. He also played nine games for the Uruguayan national team.
However, Rodríguez did not start in any of the last five LAFC games in 2020 and only played 12 minutes from the bench in three games in the CONCACAF Champions League. After his departure, the LAFC will have an open seat, but if the team signs a replacement and Rodríguez returns from loan in May, he will have four DPs left, one above the league limit.
Designated players are those whose contracts only partially count towards the MLS salary cap.
Almería (14-5-3) is third in LaLiga2, even on points with Espanyol and three behind leaders Mallorca after 22 games. The top two teams will be promoted to the top La Liga, with the third-placed moving into a four-team playoff with another promotion spot at stake.
Almería last played in the top division in 2014-15.
The LAFC is slated to open the preseason training camp at Cal State Los Angeles on February 22nd MLS season starts on the first weekend in April.
