Cristian Olivera swaps LAFC for Grêmio, exposing a new MLS market trend | OneFootball

The game of musical chairs is ongoing in MLS, and LAFC has not been left behind this off-season either. Cristian Olivera, a 22-year-old Uruguayan attacking midfielder, has been sold to Grêmio for around $4.5 million plus an unspecified future sell-on fee. The transfer not only reshuffles Black & Gold's roster, it also gives teeth to an emerging trend: MLS as launching ground for players headed to traditional soccer markets.

The Uruguayan joined Los Angeles in August 2023 from Almería and became a key member of the team. He delivered 16 goals and six assists across 51 games, acting decisively in crucial moments, including LAFC's run to the Leagues Cup final and their US Open Cup title.

John Thorrington, the co-president and general manager of LAFC, saw Olivera's worth and framed the transfer as being in line with the model of growth for the club. "This sale is simply another example of a young talented player developing here at LAFC, and these proceeds will now allow us to further strengthen our roster," he stated. And so the cycle continues, with fresh signings already ready to go in the wings.

LAFC roster overhaul

Olivera's departure is not alone. LAFC has lost Omar Campos and Mateusz Bogusz to Cruz Azul as well in this window, pointing toward a firm shake-up in rosters. Since Bogusz allegedly departed for more than $10 million, the club has already made huge amounts of money and is now shifting to stay competitive.

Despite the exits, Black & Gold's attack still features Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, and David Martínez. Bouanga is the team's record goal-scorer and top attacking threat, and Giroud brings a tremendous amount of experience to lead the attack. The question now is how Steve Cherundolo will work the roster to fill in for these losses.

The future of LAFC and MLS in the global market

Olivera's move is another addition to the growing globalization of MLS. What was once a league that was largely considered a destination for established stars, the league is now becoming a talent pipeline for top markets in the soccer pecking order. The move to Grêmio reinforces this shift, showing that South America can also be a destination of choice for up-and-coming prospects in the U.S. learned skillset.

A new season fast approaching, LAFC starts its Concacaf Champions Cup campaign against Colorado Rapids on Feb. 18 and its MLS season at home against Minnesota United FC on Feb. 22. The last question remaining is, who's next to follow this seesaw path between MLS and South America's soccer giants?