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The LA Galaxy acquired defender Lucas Calegari on loan from Campeonato Brasileiro Série A side Fluminense FC for the 2023 MLS season with a permanent transfer option. Calegari, 20, will occupy an MLS U22 Initiative roster spot and will be added to the club’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Calegari joins the Galaxy having tallied one goal and two assists in 80 games played (71 starts) across all competitions for Fluminense (2020-23). Notably, Calegari helped Fluminense claim the 2022 Campeonato Carioca, the annual football championship in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the 2022 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A campaign, Caligari logged one assist in 10 appearances (7 starts) for Fluminense as the club finished third in the league. Most recently, Calegari has appeared in four matches for Fluminense in the 2023 Campeonato Carioca.
“We are pleased to announce Lucas as the newest addition to the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach and Sporting Director Greg Vanney. “Lucas is a young and talented fullback with significant experience at a high level already. We look forward to his contributions to the success of the team and supporting his continued growth as a player.”
In 2021, Calegari made 14 appearances (13 starts) for Fluminense in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A league play, while the Cuiabá, Brazil, native played in 22 matches (22 starts) for Fluminense during the 2020 Série A campaign. Calegari made his debut for Fluminense in a Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match as an 18-year-old, starting and playing 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Club Athletico Paranaense on Aug. 19, 2020. Calegari has made 10 career appearances (8 starts) for Fluminense in the Copa Libertadores (2022, 2021), the highest level of club competition in South America.
“Lucas is an important addition to the team,” said LA Galaxy Technical Director Jovan Kirovski. “He’s an exciting profile that fits a position of need.”
At the international level, Calegari has made multiple appearances with the U-17 and U-20 Brazil National Team sides.
