Cristian Tello in, Brian Rodriguez out: Explaining LAFC’s recent roster moves

That’s a $10 million player. That’s a player bound for Europe. Again, this is a player already with 17 caps for Uruguay, despite being less than stellar in MLS…

… but it was just one of Rodriguez’s eight goals over 55 MLS appearances, despite playing in a team that constantly was scoring goals. He went on loan to the Spanish second tier in 2021 with Almeria… where he had zero goals and one assist in 16 appearances (though only under 500 minutes).

Rodriguez didn’t quite work out in MLS, but it’s not over for his career. His talent/profile will create more chances to shine and develop, and it’s why he was transferred for a $6 million fee. LAFC retain that 20% sell-on, a financial incentive (and belief) that Rodriguez will put it together in Mexico.