Following two years in Brazil, an LAFC original has returned.
Midfielder Eduard Atuesta officially rejoined the Los Angeles Football Club on Thursday, after a transfer in 2021 sent him to Brazilian powerhouse SE Palmeiras, with which the 26-year-old Colombian claimed repeat championships among a slew of trophies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Eduard back to LAFC, a player our supporters love, and a top midfielder in our league,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement announcing the loan through 2024, which includes a club option to purchase. “We are well aware of the value Eduard brings to LAFC on the pitch, and we are confident that his quality and added experience will contribute to our success moving forward.”
Making his MLS debut during the first “El Trafico” rivalry game against the Galaxy, Atuesta became a vital part of the LAFC midfield beginning early in the club’s expansion year.
Originally acquired using targeted allocation money on Feb. 27, 2018, from Colombia’s Independiente Medellin, Atuesta was honored as an MLS 22 Under 22 performer following his initial season in the U.S. He was named to the league’s Best XI after LAFC captured its first Supporters’ Shield in 2019 and was selected as a 2021 MLS All-Star.
“I’m very happy to be home again,” Atuesta, who will occupy an international roster slot, said in a video posted on social media by LAFC. “Happy knowing I’ll see you all soon. To share experiences with you all again. I’m really happy. See you all soon.”
The box-to-box midfielder played 60 games for Palmeiras in the past two years, starting 18 times while registering a pair of goals across all competitions, including the Copa Libertadores and 2021 FIFA Club World Cup.
Improving on international call-ups to Colombia’s U20 and U23 programs during his previous stint in Black & Gold, Atuesta earned two caps with the senior national team in 2022.
Departing to Palmeiras for a reported fee of $4 million, Atuesta left as one of LAFC’s all-time statistical leaders, ranking second in assists (23), and third in games played (96), starts (84), minutes played (7,593) and shots (137).
Upon his homecoming as the first player to return to LAFC, “El Profe,” as Atuesta is fondly called by teammates and supporters, now stands fifth in appearances, starts, minutes and sixth in shots. He remains No. 2 among assist leaders (tied with Latif Blessing), behind Carlos Vela’s 58.
