LAFC have confirmed the departure of full-back Diego Palacios on a free transfer to Brazilian side Corinthians.
The 24-year-old spent the last four-and-a-half seasons with the Black and Gold after joining in August 2019 from Ecuadorian outfit Aucas. Palacios became a mainstay in LAFC’s starting XI, making 132 appearances (third-most in LAFC history) across all competitions at BMO Stadium while registering one goal and 13 assists.
Palacios lifted three trophies during his time with LAFC – the 2019 (first trophy in the club’s history) and 2021 Supporters’ Shield and 2022 MLS Cup over Philadelphia Union.
At international level, Palacios boasts 12 appearances with the Ecuador national team that includes three CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers in 2022.
It’s a huge blow for Steve Cherundolo’s side, as he started 33 games out of 34 appearances made during the 2023 MLS regular season at left-back and helped contribute to one of the best defenses in the entire league. He was part of an LAFC backline that conceded just 39 goals across the regular season, which was good enough for the fourth-least amount in MLS.
Palacios started all five of LAFC‘s postseason contests against Vancouver Whitecaps in the first round best-of-three series, Seattle Sounders in the conference semifinals, Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference final and Columbus Crew in MLS Cup.
Following their 2023 MLS Cup loss to Columbus Crew, LAFC announced that Palacios was out of contract but they were in negotiations to bring him back to the club. Now that Palacios’ departure has been confirmed, the club will continue talks with the likes of Carlos Vela, Kellyn Acosta and Maxime Crepeau (although Crepeau might be on his way out due to the arrival of Hugo Lloris).
Goalkeeper John McCarthy, legendary defender Giorgio Chiellini and now Palacios have all left the LAFC defense with the 2022 MLS Cup winners looking to bring in additions during the winter transfer window. As of right now, Cherundolo will either look to lean on veteran Ryan Hollingshead or Sergi Palencia, as both are natural right-backs but can slot it on the opposite side if need be.
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