Alexandru Băluță, a 31-year-old Romanian international who most recently played for FCSB, where he helped the team win the 2023–24 Romanian SuperLiga title, has joined Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) as a free agent. He brings a wealth of European football experience to the Black & Gold, playing as an advanced midfielder or across the front line.
Club Career
Across a senior career that began in 2011 with Universitatea Craiova, Băluță has amassed 439 first-team appearances, registering 82 goals and 56 assists. In addition to two separate spells in Romania’s top flight, he has also played in Hungary with Puskás Akadémia and in the Czech Republic with Slavia Prague and Slovan Liberec, competing regularly in both UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League qualifying.
During his career, he has collected seven domestic trophies, including league titles, national cups and super cups, earning a reputation as a hard-working, technically gifted forward with a creative edge.
International Career
At international level, Alexandru Băluță has been capped eight times for Romania, scoring once. He made his senior debut in 2017 and last featured in a friendly against England in 2021.
LAFC’s perspective
“Alex arrives with a wealth of experience from top European leagues and international competition,” said John Thorrington, LAFC co-president & general manager. “We felt it was important to add another attacking option to what is already a strong group to strengthen our chances of winning trophies this year.
“Alex’s attacking qualities and versatility will be valuable assets for our team, and it was encouraging to see he is as excited as we are about the opportunity.”
Role at LAFC
Alexandru Băluță becomes LAFC’s third attacking reinforcement of the summer, following the headline-grabbing arrival of South Korea captain Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur for a league-record fee, and the loan signing of Irish midfielder Andrew Moran from Brighton & Hove Albion.
He will now join an attacking unit that already features Denis Bouanga, a two-time MLS Best XI selection, alongside promising youngsters David Martínez and Nathan Ordaz. His ability to operate on either flank, centrally behind a striker, or even as a false nine offers head coach Steve Cherundolo additional tactical flexibility heading into the business end of the season.
What’s next
Alexandru Băluță will be eligible to make his MLS debut pending receipt of his international transfer certificate (ITC) and work visa. LAFC are currently pushing for silverware on multiple fronts, including the MLS Cup Playoffs and U.S. Open Cup, and see the Romanian’s experience as a key boost to their ambitions.
