LAFC Academy product Christopher Jaime became the team’s first player to sign an MLS NEXT PRO contract.
“This is a significant moment for our Club as a next step in our professional pathway for our young, talented academy players like Chris,” said LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington.
“It is testament to the hard work of everyone involved – our technical staff, scouts, and coaches but particularly speaks to the sacrifices made by Chris and his family. We are pleased to see Christopher continue to develop in our system as one of the players on our inaugural MLS Next Pro roster.”
LAFC recently announced its plan to launch an MLS Next Pro side in August to begin competing in 2023, bringing the league to a total number of 28 teams. MLS Next Pro stands as a new professional men’s soccer league that provides players a clearer pathway to professional teams before breaking onto the global stage and beyond Academies.
For now, Jaime will continue to play in 2022 under a USL contract with the Las Vegas Lights, LAFC’s USL affiliate. He initially joined the team’s academy in 2021 and debuted with the Under-19s in the 2021 MLS Next Cup Playoffs.
“Christopher is the first to sign an MLS Next Pro contract and as such inaugurates our player development path that we have been striving to create and we believe this is the right way forward,” said Marco Garces LAFC Director of Football Operations.
“Jaime is an excellent player – he is very dynamic and energetic. This is a good signing for us, and we expect to see a lot of great things from Christopher in the future.”