According to The Athletic, Chelsea are close to finalizing the signing of 16-year-old LA Galaxy midfield prospect Vicente Garcia. It is understood that the two sides have reached an initial agreement on the transfer, and the player will officially join Chelsea in the summer of 2028 when he turns 18.

According to sources, the transfer fee for this deal is expected to be around $3 million (approximately £2.25 million), with additional clauses related to the player's performance.

Chelsea's acquisition of Garcia follows their earlier move into the American youth player market in July, when they reached a deal with FC Dallas for US U15 international Benja Flowers. Previously, Chelsea had agreed to sign Flowers when he turns 18, with Dallas receiving an initial transfer fee of approximately $3 million, which could rise to around $10 million if the player meets future performance requirements.

Garcia signed a professional contract with the LA Galaxy in January 2025, becoming a homegrown player developed through the club's academy system. At just 14 years and 198 days old at the time, he was the fifth youngest player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history to sign a professional contract.

According to the plan, Garcia will officially join the LA Galaxy first team as an MLS contract player in early 2027.

In early August this year, Garcia was included in the Galaxy first-team squad for the first time, making the bench in the team's 0-0 draw against FC Dallas in MLS, but did not get to play.

On the international stage, Garcia has previously represented both the United States and Mexico at the U15 level and was called up to the US U17 national team training camp in June this year.

This season, Garcia has primarily played for Ventura County FC, the LA Galaxy's reserve team, making 16 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists.

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com