Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec, who was the MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2024, is returning to Brazil and signing with Cruziero through 2031.
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The Galaxy said the transfer brings in a “club-record transfer fee.” According to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the figure is $12 million for the Galaxy, with $1.5 million in add-ons. The Galaxy will also retain a sell-on fee, if Pec makes another move.
Pec, who was one of the Galaxy’s three Designated Players, signed with the Galaxy ahead of the 2024 season from Vasco da Gama. He scored 16 goals and added 14 assists as the Galaxy won the MLS Cup.
“Gabriel’s impact on the Galaxy was felt from his first day in Los Angeles,” general manager Will Kuntz said in a statement. “In less than three years, he has been MLS Newcomer of the Year, an MLS All-Star and an MLS Cup champion, but he will be remembered most by those closest to him for being a great teammate and friend.
“His track record and accolades are a reflection of both his talent and the work he has put in every day since joining the club. We are incredibly excited about his future and know he will continue to elevate the players around him. We wish Gabe and (his wife) Issa much success as they return to Brazil.”
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In 101 appearances with the Galaxy, Pec recorded 43 goals along with 28 assists.
“A chapter closes at a club that embraced me from day one,” Pec said in a Instagram post. “Thank you to my teammates and to the LA Galaxy fans for your constant support and love. I will carry in my heart the memories, the titles and every goal wearing this shirt. Once a G, always a G.”
The MLS transfer window, which opens July 13, expects to be a busy one for the Galaxy. Upon returning to league play, the Galaxy will have only one of its Designated Players (Joseph Paintsil). João Klauss is still sidelined until early August.
Pec isn’t the only Galaxy player that has moved out. Mauricio Cuevas was sold to Santos Laguna in Liga MX, bringing a reported fee close to $2 million, and forward Matheus Nascimento also returned to Brazil after his loan agreement with Botafogo expired last month.
The Galaxy host Club America on Saturday in a friendly and return to MLS play July 17 at home against LAFC.
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