LA Galaxy signs Brazilian forward as Young Designated Player
By Manuel Meza
Los Angeles Galaxy has made a significant move in the transfer market by acquiring Brazilian forward Gabriel Pec from Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian Série A. The club officially announced the signing of Pec as a Young Designated Player, securing him with a five-year contract that extends through the end of the 2028 MLS season. This exciting addition awaits the completion of the necessary paperwork, including the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
Pec, at the age of 22, arrives at LA Galaxy with an impressive track record at Vasco da Gama, where he notched 26 goals and 14 assists in 178 appearances across all competitions from 2019 to 2023. During the 2023 Série A campaign, Pec demonstrated his attacking prowess with eight goals and four assists in 37 matches, making 29 starts. In the same year, he recorded a total of 14 goals and five assists in 50 appearances (42 starts) across various competitions.
LA Galaxy signs Brazilian forward as Young Designated Player
LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “Gabriel has been a key contributor for one of the biggest clubs in Brazil’s Série A, and we are beyond excited that he is choosing to join the Galaxy as the next step in his burgeoning career.” Kuntz highlighted Pec's work rate, attacking abilities, and valuable experience of representing Brazil in the qualification tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As a native of Petrópolis, Brazil, Pec played a pivotal role in Vasco da Gama's promotion to Série A in the 2022 season, contributing four goals and five assists in 47 matches. He continued to impress in the 2021 season, tallying seven goals and three assists in 52 appearances across all competitions, helping Vasco da Gama secure the 2021 Campeonato Carioca Taça Rio title.
LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney expressed excitement about integrating Pec into the squad, describing him as a "powerful and direct winger who brings quality and a relentless work rate.” Pec's journey from his debut season in 2019 to representing Brazil at the international level showcases his rapid development and potential impact in the MLS.
Currently, Pec is part of Brazil’s 23-player roster for the 2024 Pre-Olympic Tournament in Venezuela, contributing with an assist in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Colombia. As he joins LA Galaxy, fans eagerly anticipate the dynamic presence that Gabriel Pec will bring to the team in the upcoming MLS season.