Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta will return to MLS side LAFC on loan from Brazilian club Palmeiras, sources told ESPN.
News of the loan with the option to make the deal permanent was first reported by ESPN Brazil, while an additional source confirmed that the teams are in the process of finalizing a deal.
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Despite winning a handful of titles with Palmeiras since his debut in 2022, including two Brazilian Serie A championships, the 26-year-old has struggled to find a starting role and suffered injury problems. Throughout 60 games with the team, Atuesta has scored two goals and added two assists.
Before joining Palmeiras on a four-year contract, Atuesta made a name for himself as a key figure with LAFC (2018-2021), where he was able to capture a Supporters' Shield trophy (2019), an MLS Best XI (2019) selection and appearance in the All-Star Game (2021). In 2022 he debuted with the Colombian senior team.
At a preseason press conference last week, LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said, “we have some additions that we'll be in a position to announce very soon” as he highlighted potential roster changes.
LAFC, which won the MLS Cup in 2022 and lost in the final in 2023, begins the 2024 season on February 24 against Seattle Sounders FC.
ESPN writer Kyle Bonagura contributed to this story.
