Garcia has signed a pro deal with LA Galaxy Luiza Moraes/Getty ImagesAug. 10, 2026 12:23 pm EDT Updated Chelsea are close to finalising a deal for 16-year-old LA Galaxy midfielder Vicente Garcia.Sources briefed on discussions, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, said a deal was in place for Garcia to join Chelsea when he turns 18 in the summer of 2028, with the fee expected to be worth in the region of $3million (£2.25m) plus add-ons.Chelsea’s move for Garcia comes after The Athletic reported in July that the Premier League club had agreed a deal to buy U.S. youth international Benji Flowers, 15, from FC Dallas when he turns 18. Dallas will receive an initial fee of around $3m, while performance-based add-ons could take the deal to around $10m.
Garcia signed his first professional contract with the Galaxy as a homegrown player in January 2025. Aged 14 years and 198 days, he became the fifth youngest player in MLS history to sign a professional deal. The midfielder will officially join the Galaxy on an MLS contract at the start of 2027.At the beginning of August, Garcia was called up to the Galaxy first-team squad for an MLS fixture for the first time, and he was an unused substitute in the 0-0 draw with FC Dallas.He has represented the United States and Mexico up to under-15 level, and was selected for a U.S. Under-17 camp in June.Garcia has featured 16 times for Ventura County FC, the Galaxy’s MLS Next Pro affiliate (reserve) team, this season, providing three goals and four assists.The global under-21 market is one Chelsea have been particularly active in in recent seasons. The club agreed to sign 15-year-old Ecuadorian attacker Kendry Paez in the summer of 2023 on a pre-arranged deal to join when he turned 18. U.S. defender Caleb Wiley and international team-mate Gaga Slonina have also moved to the west London club in recent seasons.Aug 10, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
