LA Galaxy complete the signing of Gabriel Pec from Vasco da Gama

What was an open secret has become a reality. Los Angeles Galaxy have officially announced the signing of Gabriel Pec for the 2024 Major League Soccer season. The Brazilian attacker arrives as a Young Designated Player from Vasco da Gama, signing until the end of the 2028 season.

Reinforcing LA Galaxy’s forward line

Pec, 22, will fill an international roster spot and will join the Galaxy’s preseason once he receives his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa. Pec scored 26 goals and 14 assists in 178 games played in all competitions for Vasco da Gama between 2019 and 2023.

“Gabriel has been a key contributor for one of the biggest clubs in Brazil’s Série A and we are beyond excited that he is choosing to join the Galaxy as the next step in his burgeoning career,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz.

“In addition to his work rate and attacking prowess, he will also be bringing the experience of representing his native Brazil in the qualification tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics when he joins our group. We are thrilled to announce Gabriel as the newest member of the LA Galaxy.”

Key player in Brazil

The 22-year-old was a key part of Vasco da Gama’s promotion to Serie A in the 2022 season, registering four goals and five assists in 47 games played (36 starts). He also helped his team win the 2021 Carioca Football Championship title in Rio de Janeiro.

“We are excited to welcome Gabriel to the team. Gabriel is a powerful and direct winger who brings quality and a relentless work rate,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney. “We look forward to integrating him into the group upon his arrival.”

The Brazilian becomes the most expensive transfer in LA Galaxy history - a fee in the region of $10 million, surpassing the amount the Major League Soccer outfit paid for Javier Hernández to LaLiga side Sevilla in January 2020.