After many months of rumors the Galaxy got their guy (well one of “their” guys)!
The LA Galaxy have officially signed 22 year old attacking midfielder, Sebastian Lletget from West Ham United. As was first reported by Ives Galarcep from Goal.com, Sebastian Lletget to sign with LA Galaxy. Before the 2015 season had started this rumor had popped up on WHUFCTV.com who reported the deal was going to happen and then after many reports swirling the soccer world through the twittersphere. But finally Sebastian Lletget is coming home.
Welcome back to California, Sebastian! The #LAGalaxy have signed midfielder @slletget: http://t.co/7gH5fYebCL pic.twitter.com/Nh2tv7tyx9
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) May 8, 2015
According to the report, the New England Revolution had the discovery rights and priority to sign Sebastian Lletget, but under MLS’ new roster rules and regulations the LA Galaxy are able to trade about $50,000 in allocation money to the Revolution for the rights to bring him to LA. Sebastian will be coming to the Galaxy on a Free Transfer from West Ham.
It certainly looks like Bruce Arena is very high on this 22 year old. “Sebastian is a young, talented attacking player who we think can find success in our team,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. “We’re happy to have him return to his home state to join the Galaxy and we look forward to his contributions going forward.”
“Sebastian is a young, talented attacking player who we think can find success in our team.” Bruce Arena, LA Galaxy Head Coach / General Manager
Sebastian Lletget, who is actually a California native, has been in the West Ham United system in England for the past 5 years. In that time, however, he has only made one appearance with the first team, in an FA Cup match in 2014 against Nottingham Forest. He has never appeared in an English Premier League game with the first team, but has been in the 18 man squad and suited up for the match on many occasions.
Lletget is a very technical and fast midfielder who can play in numerous positions throughout the attack. He can play centrally or on the wing, either position could be useful to the struggling LA Galaxy midfield. He will definitely be another piece to the puzzle and a piece that the Galaxy are likely to utilize.
Sebastian has also been a part of the US Youth National Team through the years, as he has made appearances for the U-17, U-20, as well as U-23 US Youth National teams.
Sebastian appears to be very excited to coming home.
Moving back to where it all started…CALI CALI😎✈️
— Sebastian Lletget (@SLletget) May 6, 2015
So many mixed emotions. Sadness and excitement at the same time. London, I love you, but gotta go back my soil✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️
— THEBAYSVERYOWN (@SLletget) May 8, 2015
some brief video of Sebastian Lletget during his time with West Ham United:
Skip to 1:18 to see Sebastian Lletget score a goal against Chelsea U21’s.
It will be interesting to see where Sebastian starts off with the LA Galaxy and where Bruce Arena puts him in the lineup.
WELCOME BACK HOME TO CALIFORNIA SEBASTIAN AND WELCOME TO THE LA GALAXY!