TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
LAFC announced on Monday they have signed defender Niko Hamalainen on a six-month loan from Queens Park Rangers.
Hamalainen, 21, has been with QPR for four-and-a-half seasons, making a handful of appearances in English Championship and domestic cup play. He also had a stint on loan at lower-league side Dagenham & Redbridge in League Two.
A native of Miami, Florida, Hamalainen is a Finnish international, making his debut at senior level in January.
“Niko has a bright future ahead of him and we look forward to furthering his professional development at LAFC,” said general manager and EVP of soccer operations John Thorrington in a team statement. “I am confident he will prove to be a valuable addition to the group.”
Hamalainen is likely to compete for minutes off the bench and the occasional start for LAFC, most likely at left back. LAFC open the 2019 MLS regular season on Sunday at home against Sporting Kansas City (8:30 pm ET | ESPN).
