Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil, who was previously with Genk in the Belgian Pro League, has signed a contract with the LA Galaxy.
LA reportedly acquired Paintsil for a near-$9 million fee, continuing top-end roster spending this winter. In the past, Pec is said to have signed with Brazilian Série A team Vasco da Gama for a $10 million transfer fee plus incentives (club-record fee).
“We are excited to announce that Joseph is joining the LA Galaxy,” LA general manager Will Kuntz stated in a release. “Over the past few years, 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.”
“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.”
Paintsil, who has been a member of Genk since 2018, brings 61 goals and 35 assists from 228 professional games. Internationally, Paintsil has played 14 times for Ghana. He was part of their 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squads.
“We are pleased to add a player of Joseph’s quality to the LA Galaxy,” said 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.”
LA’s Galaxy need for Paintsil and his colleagues arose last fall when the club parted ways with striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and winger Douglas Costa. Now, Puig, Pec, and Paintsil make up an attacking trio that helps Dejan Joveljic, the striker.
The 26-year-old Ghana international is under contract until the 2027 MLS season. He’s also had loans to Ferencvárosi (Hungary) and Ankaragücü (Turkey).
