LAFC’s Uruguayan superstar Diego Rossi has left the MLS to join Turkish side Fenerbahce. The Turkish side has included an option to buy after his loan deal concludes. The rumored buy-option would break LAFC’s transfer record for a player.
Is Diego Rossi ready to tackle elite European football?
Starting His Career in His Homeland
Before Diego Rossi became an MLS star, he was a highly-rated youngster for Uruguayan side Penarol. As a teenager, Rossi made 51 appearances, scoring 13 goals and 11 assists for the Uruguayan side, and attracted interest from various parties.
Whilst impressing for his club, Rossi was making headlines for the national team at under-15 and under-17 levels. As an under-15 international, Rossi played 26 times with 15 goals. This included an appearance in the 2013 under-15 South American Championship.
For Uruguay, Rossi has appeared at every youth level. He has appeared at the 2015 and 2017 South American Championships at under-17’s and under-20’s levels before being involved in the CONMEBOL pre-Olympic squad. In total, Rossi scored 28 goals in 82 appearances over the various youth teams.
It won’t be long before Rossi becomes a senior team starter for the Uruguayan national team.
Becoming a Star For LAFC
Diego Rossi joined LAFC from Penarol in 2017 as a young designated player as part of their MLS expansion. He made his debut in Los Angeles’ inaugural MLS game when they faced the Seattle Sounders on the 4th of March 2018. He scored within 11 minutes and became the first scorer in LAFC history as well as being the fastest goal by an MLS expansion team.
Rossi continued to be an important part of LAFC’s plans. He was the MLS’ golden boot winner last season and had 14 goals in 19 games in the pandemic-stricken season. His form earned him a place in the most recent MLS All-Star team when they defeated Liga MX on penalties.
Rossi’s form this season has been inconsistent as LAFC has struggled. He has six goals in 19 games for LAFC and leaves the team after their worst start to an MLS season. LAFC sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 6-6-9 record.
Ready to Tackle Europe With Fenerbahce
Diego Rossi is a versatile forward that could play numerous positions for Turkish side Fenerbahce. With Vitor Pereira’s affinity for either the 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1, Rossi can slide into either of the three attacking positions and influence Fenerbahce offensively. With his pace, finishing, and dribbling, Rossi can cause defenses problems domestically and in European competition.
