LOS ANGELES, CA – In a major coup for Major League Soccer, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has announced the signing of World Cup-winning goalkeeper and Premier League veteran Hugo Lloris from Tottenham Hotspur.
Lloris’ Stellar Career and Move to MLS
Hugo Lloris, the 37-year-old French international, joins LAFC on a contract that runs through the 2024 MLS season, with options for 2025 and 2026. Lloris, France’s all-time leader in caps with 145 games, captained the French team to victory in the 2018 World Cup and played a pivotal role in their journey to the final in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Lloris has had a distinguished career with Tottenham, appearing in 447 games over nearly a dozen seasons since joining from Ligue 1 side Lyon in 2012. During his tenure with Spurs, he was instrumental in the team’s success, including reaching the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. However, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, Lloris recently lost his first-choice position, paving the way for his move to LAFC.
LAFC’s Ambitious Vision
John Thorrington, LAFC’s co-president and general manager, expressed his excitement about Lloris’ arrival, citing his unparalleled success and leadership at the highest levels of football. Thorrington believes that Lloris’ experience will significantly benefit the club in their pursuit of more trophies.
The signing of Lloris is seen as a continuation of LAFC’s strategy to bring in high-profile European talent, following the likes of Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini. Both players had impactful stints with LAFC, with Bale contributing to the MLS Cup-Supporters’ Shield double in 2022 and Chiellini playing a key role in the team’s run to the MLS Cup in 2023.
Goalkeeping Dynamics at LAFC
With Lloris on board, LAFC now has a formidable presence between the posts. The team also has goalkeeper Abraham Romero under contract for the 2024 season. The futures of Canadian international Maxime Crépeau and John McCarthy, who shared starting duties last year, remain uncertain as both are free agents.
Anticipation for Lloris’ Debut
Fans are eagerly anticipating Lloris’ debut for LAFC, which could potentially happen in the 2024 season opener against Seattle Sounders FC at BMO Stadium on February 24. Lloris’ arrival in Los Angeles marks a new chapter in his illustrious career and a significant addition to the MLS landscape.
In a heartfelt message, Tottenham Hotspur bid farewell to Lloris, thanking him for his immense contributions to the club. As LAFC welcomes Lloris, his wife Marine, and their three children to Los Angeles, the club looks forward to the leadership and experience he brings to their quest for continued success in MLS.
