LAFC sign Swedish midfielder Amin Boudri

LAFC added another young piece to its long-term project Saturday, signing Swedish attacking midfielder Amin Boudri from Allsvenskan side GAIS in a deal that runs through the 2029 season with a club option for 2030.

Boudri, 21, joins the Black & Gold as a U-22 Initiative player and will occupy an international roster slot, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa. The move continues LAFC’s recent trend of targeting high-upside young talent from Europe, with the club reportedly paying just under $4 million to secure the Swedish youth international.

The right-footed midfielder arrives after a breakout 2025 campaign in Sweden’s top flight, where he emerged as one of the league’s most productive young attackers. Boudri made 26 league appearances for GAIS last season, logging over 2,000 minutes while scoring six goals and adding two assists. His performances placed him firmly on the radar of clubs outside Scandinavia and helped position him as one of the Allsvenskan’s top creative midfielders.

Born in Hässelby, Sweden, Boudri developed across multiple European systems before turning professional. He spent time in the youth setups at AIK and Venezia before signing with GAIS ahead of the 2024 season. He made his professional debut in the Svenska Cupen in February 2024 and quickly established himself as a regular contributor in league play. Internationally, Boudri has represented Sweden at the U-21 level and remains eligible for Morocco through heritage.

On the field, Boudri profiles as a technically sharp attacking midfielder capable of influencing play in several phases. Comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, he shows strong close control and awareness in tight spaces, allowing him to maintain possession and progress the ball through central areas. His passing range and vision make him effective both as a deeper connector in buildup and as a more advanced creator around the box.

Boudri’s movement off the ball is another defining trait. He consistently scans for space, drifting between lines to make himself available and create passing angles for teammates. That spatial awareness, combined with a clean first touch and confident dribbling, gives him the tools to operate in congested MLS midfields and contribute to chance creation rather than relying solely on goals.

From a roster-building perspective, the signing also carries significant salary-cap implications. With Boudri occupying a U-22 slot, LAFC now sits at two Designated Players and four U-22 players. Under MLS roster rules, that configuration provides the club with additional General Allocation Money, offering greater flexibility to balance the rest of the squad. The setup also leaves the door open for adjustments later in the season, should LAFC choose to pursue another high-profile addition during the summer window.

For LAFC, the move represents both an investment in the present and a bet on future growth. Boudri arrives at an age where development and immediate contribution can overlap, particularly within a midfield group that values technical quality and positional versatility. While his transition to MLS will come with natural adjustments, his profile aligns closely with the club’s recent recruitment strategy — young, ambitious players with resale potential and the ability to grow into key roles.

As LAFC prepares to compete across multiple competitions in 2026, Boudri adds another dynamic option to the midfield mix. One with the creativity and composure to shape games now and the upside to anchor the club’s plans in the years ahead.