Los Angeles Football Club made its first signings of 2021 with the addition of South Korean national team coach Kim Moon-Hwan, as well as young American Corey Baird.
Kim Moon-Hwan is a 25-year-old defender who works primarily as a right-back, though he can do so in the same way as flying through that sector. Moon-Hwan comes from the Busan IPark of the K 1 League, the highest category of professional football in South Korea.
“Moon is a dynamic and exciting player who in turn brings great international experience to our team,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “He is a smart and versatile defender in the splendor of his career, our Club and fans are very excited that he has chosen LAFC for the next stage in his career.”
Kim Moon-Hwan is the first South Korean player to be signed by the Angelina institution. Seeking to appeal to this market, LAFC launched a club merchandise line designed by graphic artist Hokeun Choi. It is the first collection of Korean merchandise in MLS history.
The black and gold institution also announced the signing of 24-year-old American striker Corey Baird from Real Salt Lake. Baird was named the MLS Rookie of the Year in 2018, after a great contribution in his debut season with 8 goals and 5 assists in 31 appearances.
“Corey is a dynamic striker and we are happy to welcome a player of his caliber and qualities. We are confident that he will be a great addition to the team and that he will fit in with our way of playing to help us achieve our goals as a club in the years to come, “Thorrington said in a statement.
Baird, a native of California, has represented the U.S. national team in all lower categories from the U-15 onwards. In 2019 he received his first call-up with the national team and made his debut in a friendly against Panama a year ago, when he provided an assist.
Baird, who serves primarily as a center forward, comes to bolster that sector after the departure of veteran Bradley Wright-Phillips from the team.