The New England Revolution acquired midfielder Latif Blessing from Los Angeles FC on Tuesday in exchange for $400,000 in general allocation money.
Blessing, 26, had four assists in 30 games (16 starts) in 2022 while helping LAFC win the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup.
He departs as LAFC’s all-time leader in both games (145) and minutes (9,749). He also ranks second in assists (23) and fifth in goals (14).
“Latif Blessing will be a very good addition to our team. He is a veteran MLS player with championship caliber experience,” Revs sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said in a news release. “Latif’s speed and quickness are welcomed characteristics for our midfield. We look forward to his arrival in preseason.”
LAFC, which acquired Blessing in the 2018 MLS expansion draft, could receive additional GAM if he meets certain performance metrics. He asked to be traded from Los Angeles.
“This was a very difficult decision for us,” said John Thorrington, the co-president and general manager of LAFC. “Latif Blessing is a player who will always be remembered as an LAFC original and someone who helped build this Club both on the field and off. His connection with our fans and community is unmatched. Latif approached the Club requesting a trade, and we are happy that we were able to find a solution that helps Latif in several ways, including with a personal family situation. This is not easy, and we want to thank Latif for all of his contributions to LAFC.”
The Ghana native has 17 goals and 24 assists in 170 career matches (122 starts) with Sporting Kansas City (2017) and LAFC.
–Field Level Media
