Calegari joins LA Galaxy on loan from Fluminese - Most valuable right-back in MLS
The Los Angeles Galaxy have found a replacement for Julián Araujo, who the club sold to Barcelona during the winter transfer window. On Monday, the Galaxy announced that they have signed Brazilian right-back Calegari on loan from Fluminense until the end of the season. Furthermore, the Galaxy will have an option to make the transfer permanent for €2 million at the end of the season.
“We are pleased to announce Lucas as the newest addition to the LA Galaxy,” LA Galaxy head coach and sporting director Greg Vanney said in a club statement. “Lucas is a young and talented fullback with significant experience at a high level already. We look forward to his contributions to the success of the team and supporting his continued growth as a player.”
Developed by the Fluminense academy, the 21-year-old first made his debut for the first team in 2020 and has since collected one goal and two assists in 80 games across all competitions for the Brazilian giants. Since making his debut for Fluminense, Calegari has increased his market value from €50,000 to €5 million, which makes him the most valuable right-back in MLS, taking over that position to the recently transferred Araujo (overview).
Who is Calegari? LA Galaxy's Araujo replacement by the numbers
There are certainly some indications that Calegari could be a useful replacement for Araujo. Both players are 21, and both have a similar market value—Araujo's current market value is €6m. A quick look at Wyscout, where we put the players next to one another, also reveals that while Araujo led Calegari in key passes per 90 minutes (0.74 vs 0.53) and crosses per 90 minutes (3.41 vs 1.55), the Brazilian had more dribbles per 90 minutes (2.86 vs 1.46) and was a more accurate passer (86.22% vs 85.18%). Also, unlike Araujo, Calegari can also play left-back and right-wingback, which will give Vanney more flexibility in his tactical setup.
Chicharito, dos Santos, Cabral & Co. LA Galaxy record transfers
Homepage
- Date of Birth/Age:
- 27.02.2002 (21)
- Nat.:
- Current club:
- Los Angeles Galaxy
- Contract until:
- Dec 31, 2023
- Position:
- Right-Back
- Market Value:
- €5.00m
- Total Market Value:
- €43.18m
- Competition:
- Major League Soccer
- Manager:
- Greg Vanney
- Squad size:
- 29
- Latest Transfer:
- Mauricio Cuevas
- Total Market Value:
- €64.40m
- Competition:
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
- Position:
- 8.
- Manager:
- Fernando Diniz
- Squad size:
- 30
- Latest Transfer:
- Lelê
