LA Galaxy sign Brazilian winger Gabriel Pec from Vasco da Gama

LA Galaxy have signed winger Gabriel Pec from Brazilian Serie A side Vasco da Gama on a five-year contract through the 2028 MLS season.

Pec joins a Galaxy attack that scored 51 goals in 2023 and brings much-needed help to head coach Gregg Vanney's side. Two of the Galaxy's top goal-scorers from 2023, Tyler Boyd (seven) and Billy Sharp (six) have both left the club via a trade and a free transfer, respectively, leaving a hole in the final third.

Those two weren't the only departures up front, as Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez was out of contract following the end of the 2023 season.

"Gabriel has been a key contributor for one of the biggest clubs in Brazil’s Serie A and we are beyond excited that he is choosing to join the Galaxy as the next step in his burgeoning career," Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz said in a release.

"In addition to his work rate and attacking prowess, he will also be bringing the experience of representing his native Brazil in the qualification tournament for the 2024 Paris Olympics when he joins our group. We are thrilled to announce Gabriel as the newest member of the LA Galaxy."

Since making his first team debut in 2019, Pec has continued to improve at Vasco in 178 appearances for the South American club at just 22 years old. The Petropolis, Brazil native has amassed 14 goals and five assists in 50 appearances across all competitions in 2023 as Vasco finished in 15th place in the Brazilian top flight with 45 points.

Pec plays primarily as a right-winger but has also lined up as a left-winger and a striker, bringing versatility to Vanney's squad. Pec would've had the opportunity to link up with fellow Brazilian Douglas Costa, but the 33-year-old and LA chose to part ways following the 2023 campaign.

However, Pec will still have the chance to line up alongside the likes of Dejan Joveljic, Diego Fagundez and Riqui Puig at Dignity Health Sports Park starting in 2024.

The Galaxy are aiming to rebound in 2024 after a horrid 2023 in which they finished in 13th place in the Western Conference table with 36 points from 34 games played. The signing of Pec, along with 2022 MLS Cup winning shot-stopper John McCarthy and Japan international Miki Yamane, signal a new era is on the horizon for the five-time MLS Cup winners.

Vanney's side kicks off the 2024 campaign at home against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi on February 25 at Dignity Health Sports Park.