Galaxy Gains a Star: Joseph Paintsil signs as Designated Player
After weeks of rumors and negotiations, the LA Galaxy officially announce Joesph Paintsil as the club's latest reinforcement
The LA Galaxy announced the signing of Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil on Wednesday afternoon. The 26-year-old inked a four-year contract until the end of the 2027 MLS season. After weeks of rumors linking the two parties, LA fills their final Designated Player roster spot days before their opening match on Sunday.
“Joseph has been a key member of one of the best clubs in Belgium’s top flight and one of Africa's most prominent national teams over the past few years and we are thrilled to announce that he is joining the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz through press release. “We are looking forward to adding such a dynamic attacker in the prime of his career to our group and for him to be a key figure in our pursuit of our next trophies.”
In the 2022-23 season, Paintsil recorded a career-high 32 goal contributions (18 goals, 14 assists) in 39 matches played across all competitions for Genk during the 2022-23 campaign. The forward was called up to Ghana’s team for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January where he recorded an assist in three appearances.
“We are pleased to add a player of Joseph’s quality to the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney. “Joseph is a dynamic winger with and without the ball who possesses the capacity to change games instantly. We look forward to integrating him into our group quickly.”
In a video discussing the signing, Vanney mentioned he had seen Paintsil in his early days at Genk while managing Toronto FC and in the process of signing 2020 MLS MVP Alejandro Pozuelo. With Painstil having a release clause, it made the Ghanaian winger more affordable and within their budget to acquire. The Athletic’s Tom Bogert reported the transfer fee is around $9 million.
Vanney highlighted Paintsil's record in front of goal and his dynamic play out wide. With winger Gabriel Pec signed this offseason as well, the Galaxy will have two new players in their attack this season.
Read: Examining Joseph Paintsil's potential in the LA Galaxy's attack