Is Nkosi Tafari the Right Reinforcement for LAFC to Shine in 2025? | OneFootball

MLS’ transfer market is always full of surprises, and the move that brought center-back Nkosi Tafari from FC Dallas to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) was no exception. The deal? $300K in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2026 and an international spot. That’s a pretty hefty package for a defender who’s still not quite a household name, but he does bring an interesting set of skills to the table.

There’s no denying that Tafari has presence. He’s tall, strong, and has a good soccer IQ. His time at FC Dallas was solid, with 107 appearances, 7 goals, and 6 assists over four seasons. For a defender, those offensive stats are actually pretty impressive. He’s fast and has decent ball control for someone at the back, though he can still be a bit shaky in crucial moments, especially when it comes to consistency on defense.

Let’s talk depth. Jesús Murillo’s departure left a hole in the squad, one that needed filling. Tafari steps in to bolster a defensive line already featuring Aaron Long and Maxime Chanot, two guys with serious respect in the league. Plus, Tafari has a solid ability to kick-start attacks from the back, something that’s becoming more and more valuable in modern soccer. That could be a game-changer for a team that loves controlling possession.

But here’s the thing, Tafari still has to prove he can be relied on game in and game out, particularly in big moments. LAFC’s got the Concacaf Champions Cup coming up in February, so a solid defense is a must for taking on international competition.

The future’s looking bright for LAFC. After topping the Western Conference last year, expectations are high, and they’re aiming even higher. A reliable defense is key to hitting those goals. Tafari’s got the potential to become a key player in that mission. He’s got the physique, the technique, and at 27, he’s hitting the peak of his career. The challenge now is to deliver and show he’s worth the investment. If it all pans out, Thorrington’s gonna look like a genius for taking the gamble.

For me, this signing feels like a solid play with just a hint of risk. Tafari could very well become one of the best defenders in the league if he gets the right support and finds his rhythm. But if he doesn’t fit, LAFC might be left with a sour taste, staring at that $300K investment and wondering how they could’ve spent that cash a little smarter.