Almería reached an agreement with Los Angeles FC, from MLS, for Cristian "Kike" Olivera, a 21-year-old Uruguayan forward, to join the Californian team already in possession after a transfer between the parties involved.
The Andalusian club reported this Friday in a statement that "thus, Cristian Olivera ends his contract with Almería, the club with which he had a contract until June 2025".
The Uruguayan attacker joined the Almería team in the 2020/21 season and, although he played some matches, he was loaned out to other teams to gain experience due to his youth, so he was in Peñarol, first, and then Boston River.
Last season he had a remarkable performance with Sastre, as Almería recalls in their statement, in which they point out that he played 38 matches, including the Uruguayan Championship, CONMEBOL Libertadores, and Uruguayan AUF Cup, and also scored 10 goals and provided 8 assists.
"UD Almería, publicly highlighting the professionalism of Cristian Olivera, wishes him the best of luck in his new professional adventure," the statement emphasizes.
LAFC WELCOMES HIM
The Californian team welcomed Kike "to the Angelino neighborhood" in a message accompanied by a video with his best plays.
In addition, LAFC stated that they signed a four-year contract, until 2026, with an option for the club to extend it until 2027.
Olivera, who joins MLS as part of its Sub 22 Initiative and will occupy a spot on the international player list, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa, played for the Uruguayan Under-16, Under-17, and Under-10 National Teams, scoring four goals in 19 appearances.
“Cristian is a young dynamic player with fantastic attacking qualities who will fit well within our group and excite our supporters. We are excited to welcome Cristian and his family to LAFC and we know he will help us achieve our ongoing ambition of winning more trophies,” said franchise co-president and general manager John Thorrington.
FAILED TRANSFER TO RACING AND THE POSSIBILITY OF NATIONAL
In an interview with 100% Deporte (Radio Sport 890), the player himself commented a few days ago: "My agent Chino Lasalvia called me last week to tell me that there was a very good offer from Los Angeles FC (a five million euro offer). The deal with Racing (from Argentina) was almost closed, but Almería asked for one million euros more and Racing did not agree”.
Olivera said he was able to speak with his compatriot Brian Rodríguez, who played for Los Angeles FC, and highlighted: “They have told me about the city and they say it is amazing. And in the football there, with the level I am at now, I can make a little difference”.
He then added about his great time at Boston, the team he joined in July 2022: “My goal was to help Boston River, to be able to grow personally and then make the leap”.
The player, who will be teammates with Mexican Carlos Vela and Italian Giorgio Chiellini, commented on his failed move to Nacional, a team he publicly expressed his desire to play for at some point: “At first, I saw it as feasible because of my desire, but as Almería asked for more and more money, the possibility was getting further away because Nacional couldn't reach the financial aspect”.
Cristian Olivera is Black & Gold.
???? #LAFC acquires forward Cristian Olivera from @U_D_Almeria of Spain’s @LaLiga.
???? LAFC Transfers presented by @remitly.
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 4, 2023
✍️ UD Almería and @LAFC have agreed on the definitive transfer of the footballer Cristian Olivera.
We wish him the best of luck in the future. pic.twitter.com/pLHk1Ia5vH
— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2023
Welcome to the Angelino neighborhood, Cristian. ????????#LAFC pic.twitter.com/ZGrWPSFt54
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 4, 2023