LAFC announced today the signing of midfielder Francisco Ginella from Montevideo Wanderers using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). The Uruguayan youth international will join LAFC ahead of the 2020 MLS season and will occupy an international roster spot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
“At just 20 years old, Francisco brings a meaningful amount of experience at the professional and youth international levels,” said LAFC EVP & General Manager John Thorrington. “It is exciting for our club to sign a player of his quality and potential, and we are confident Francisco will prove to be a great fit for LAFC as we look ahead to our third season.”
Ginella, 20, arrives in Major League Soccer after spending the first three professional seasons with Montevideo Wanderers of the Uruguayan first division. The 5-foot-10 central midfielder made his professional debut in the team’s 3-2 victory over Racing Club on April 15, 2018.
In 2019, Ginella saw action in 17 matches across all three domestic tournaments, and one Copa Sudamericana match. He tallied his first career goal during the first game of the Torneo Intermedio on July 14 before adding his first assist on August 24. In all, Ginella logged 2,341 minutes in 32 matches across all competitions for Wanderers.
Internationally, Ginella made his national team debut with Uruguay’s U-20 side on May 8, 2018. Since then, he has played in 14 international matches, including three games at last summer’s U-20 FIFA World Cup in Poland alongside LAFC teammate Brian Rodriguez. Ginella is currently training with Uruguay’s U-23 team ahead of the 2020 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) acquires 20-year-old midfielder Francisco Ginella using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).
VITALS:
Full Name: Francisco Ginella
Position: Midfielder
Born: 01/21/1999
Height: 5-10
Weight: 160 lbs.
Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
Last Club: Montevideo Wanderers
Citizenship: Uruguay, Italy
Instagram: @panchoginella
