LAFC signs rising Ukrainian star Artem Smolyakov in bold transfer move

Los Angeles FC again completes the bulk of its season roster with 21-year-old Ukrainian left back Artem Smolyakov arriving on a four-year contract, most recently of Polissya Zhytomyr. His defender deal keeps him there through 2028, with his taking one of the slots on the U22 Initiative and being an additional source of depth to the international contingent.

Who is Artem Smolyakov?

75 appearances for Polissya Zhytomyr and FC Inhulets Petrove in his professional career with four goals and three assists under his belt indicates Artem Smolyakov is a talented player to reckon with. He has also pulled 10 caps for Ukraine U21 national, proving his developmental potential.

Waiting for his time to come still as a young player, Smolyakov is a long-term investment but has enough experience to make him a potential starter. Young European prospects look at the MLS nowadays as an option, and the Ukrainian himself can now discover a step-up in his career by donning the LAFC jersey.