The Los Angeles football club made its first signings in 2021 with the incorporation of the South Korean national team Kim Moon-Hwan, as well as the young American Corey Baird.
Kim Moon-Hwan is a 25-year-old defender who serves primarily as a right-back, although he can do the same as the midfielder in that sector. Moon-Hwan arrives from Busan IPark in the K 1 League, the highest category of professional football in South Korea.
“Moon is a dynamic and exciting player who, in turn, brings an extraordinary international experience to our team,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “He is an intelligent and versatile defender in the splendor of his career, the Club and our fans are very excited that he chose LAFC for the next stage of his career.”
Kim Moon-Hwan is the first South Korean player to be signed by the Los Angeles institution. In an attempt to appeal to that market, LAFC has launched a product line for clubs designed by graphic designer Hokeun Choi. It is the first collection of Korean goods in the history of MLS.
The gold and black institution also announced the signing of American striker Corey Baird, 24, from Real Salt Lake. Baird was voted Rookie of the Year in MLS in 2018, after a great contribution in his debut season with 8 goals and 5 assists in 31 appearances.
“Corey is a dynamic striker and we are happy to welcome a player of caliber and qualities. We are confident that it will be an excellent addition to the team and that it will fit with our way of playing to help us achieve our goals as a club in the years to come, ”Thorrington said in a statement.
Baird, originally from California, has represented the United States as a young man since U-15. In 2019, he received his first call with the senior team and made his debut in a friendly match against Panama, a year ago, when he offered assistance.
Baird, who serves mainly as a central striker, comes to consolidate this sector after the departure of veteran Bradley Wright-Phillips from the team.