The LA Galaxy have signed midfielder Joao Pedro from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes, the club announced Thursday.
Curt Onalfo's side used targeted allocation money to acquire the 23-year-old, who had been with Vitoria since joining the club's academy in 2005. The Portuguese central midfielder has started all 17 matches this season for Vitoria, which sits fifth in the Primeira Liga standings at 9-4-4.
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"Joao is an extremely talented midfielder who has experience playing at a high level in Portugal,” Galaxy general manager Peter Vagenas said in a news release. "He is only 23 years old and has the best years of his career front of him. We identified him as a top target this offseason and we think he can immediately help strengthen our midfield."
Pedro is the second central midfield addition in as many days for the Galaxy, who announced the signing of U.S. international Jermaine Jones on Wednesday.