TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The LA Galaxy have acquired defender Derrick Williams from English side Blackburn Rovers, the Galaxy announced Thursday. As part of the deal, the Galaxy sent $125,000 in General Allocation Money ($75,000 GAM in 2021 and $50,000 GAM in 2022) to D.C. United for Williams' Discovery Rights.
Williams, who joins the Galaxy on a two-year deal with an additional one-year option, holds an American passport and will not occupy an International Roster spot on the LA Galaxy roster.
Williams, 28, has made 152 appearances with Blackburn, including 10 this season in the Championship. He is an Ireland international, making three caps with the senior team. Primarily a center back, Williams can also play left back.
“Derrick is an experienced defender who has played at a high level in England and internationally,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese in a club release. “We believe Derrick will strengthen our defense and add competition to the position. We are excited to have Derrick join the squad and look forward to his contributions to the club.”
Born in Germany to an Irish mother and U.S. serviceman father, Williams had played exclusively in England with other stops at Aston Villa and Bristol City. He's made one Premier League appearance for the former club, and spent two years in League One for the latter.
The defender joins the Galaxy in need of a boost in that part of the field, after conceding the second-most goals in MLS last campaign. The club appointed Greg Vanney as head coach this winter, as the start of a new era.
Williams was linked with D.C. United last winter.
