Glitz and glamor are synonymous with Los Angeles. They might also soon be synonymous with LAFC.
ESPN FC spoke with president and owner Tom Penn on Monday, who revealed that LAFC are looking to fill their Designated Player slots with players that have global appeal. The expansion club, which is set to begin play in 2018, is hoping to make announcements about signings next summer.
Some of the players that Los Angeles have reportedly set their sights on, according to ESPN FC, are Manchester United attacker Wayne Rooney, Mexico striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez', and midfielder Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea. In total, 10 targets have allegedly been identified.
"We wouldn't discuss specific players," Penn told ESPN FC. "But we have spoken generally about the desire for a player of global stature."
Part of LAFC's plan to help attract big-name players next year is to loan them out after they sign. Doing so would allow the acquisitions to maintain their rhythm and avoid months of inactivity since LAFC will not begin their first preseason until 2018.
LAFC do not just want recognizable and quality talents, however. They also want players who can envision a long-term future either with the club or in Los Angeles.
"For a player of stature, a European star let's say, we would want them to view this as the first day of the rest of their life, not as just the end of their playing career," said Penn. "If they come to America, and establish themselves in that media market, there are many creative ways with our ownership group and investors to help kickstart or boost the afterlife of their career, as they transition to the real world later.
"But we are active now. We are speaking with player agents and clubs and John Thorrington, our executive vice-president of soccer operations, has been in England for a number of technical meetings. So in terms of timings, we have the opportunity in the summer window to announce who our players will be in 2018."
