LAFC Acquire USMNT Midfielder Kellyn Acosta from Rapids

Kellyn Acosta during the international friendly between the United States and Bosnia & Herzegovina in December.
Kellyn Acosta during the international friendly between the United States and Bosnia & Herzegovina in December. Photo by Charles Baus/CSM/Shutterstock (12650899am)

LAFC decided to make a significant investment in their roster after a disappointing 2021 MLS season that saw them missing the playoffs for the first time in the club’s history. According to multiple reports, LAFC is finalizing a deal to acquire United States international midfielder Kellyn Acosta from the Colorado Rapids.

MLS Soccer’s Tom Bogert reports that the deal could end up being worth around $1.5 million in General Allocation Money (GAM). The Rapids will get $1.1 million right away, while the remaining 400K are based on incentives. The Colorado club will also get a percentage if LAFC decides to sell Acosta at some point.

Acosta is coming off a solid year in which he helped the Rapids finish at the top of the Western Conference. While he only managed one goal and two assists, he provided crucial in other departments and provided the team with a safety blanket thanks to its versatility. The 26-year-old was also irreplaceable for the United States Men’s National Team, making 21 appearances in 2021.

Reportedly, Colorado Rapids were not keen on letting Kellyn Acosta go but felt this was the best business decision after the two sides failed to reach an extension agreement despite lengthy talks. Acosta’s current deal includes club options for 2022 and 2023, and he is set to become a free agent in the January of 2024.

The ball is now in LAFC’s court, and the Los Angeles team will probably look to protect their investment and tie Acosta on a long-term deal sooner than later..