Los Angeles FC have beaten European heavyweights Barcelona to the signing of Ecuadorian left-back Diego Palacios, ESPN reports.
The defender starred for Ecuador at the Under-20 World Cup this summer in Poland, helping his country clinch a third-place finish. He previously caught the eye of Barca scouts during a loan stint with Dutch side Willem II.
Had he joined the reigning Spanish champions, Palacios would have initially linked up with the Barcelona B squad in Catalonia. But LAFC arrived on the scene late, ESPN added, with their offer of first-team football proving enticing for the Aucas academy product.
Reports in Spain suggest Palacios will travel to Los Angeles on Monday, having already signed a four-year contract with the MLS club.
The move comes on the back of LAFC's addition of 19-year-old forward Brian Rodriguez, who inked a Designated Player deal on Wednesday.
