LA Galaxy get Ola Kamara from Crew in trade for Gyasi Zardes

ByESPN Staff ESPN logo

Saturday, January 20, 2018

The LA Galaxy have completed a trade to acquireOla Kamara from Columbus Crew SC in exchange for forward Gyasi Zardes and $400,000 in targeted allocation money, the clubs announced on Saturday.

Columbus will receive another $100,000 in TAM if Kamara, 28, scores 12 goals or more with the Galaxy.

Crew SC had been in discussions with multiple clubs, including at least one abroad, over the services of the Norway striker, sources had told ESPN FC.

Kamara has scored 34 goals since his arrival in MLS ahead of the 2016 season, the fourth most in the league over that time.

That production will serve the Galaxy well after they lacked consistent finishing in 2017. Aside from Romain Alessandrini, who had 13, no other player scored more than six goals.

"We are very excited to bring Ola to Los Angeles," Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid said. "He has been one of the league's most productive forwards during his two seasons in MLS and we believe he will be a great fit in our attack. We look forward to him joining our squad."

The Los Angeles Times, which first reported news of the trade on Friday, said Kamara would sign a new contract with the Galaxy and a raise on the $482,500 salary he earned last year.

Zardes, who earned $577,500 last year, leaves the Galaxy after spending his entire pro career with the Southern California club, helpling LA win the 2014 MLS Cup.

The 26-year-old struggled with injury throughout 2017 and scored just twice all season. In his past three seasons combined, he has registered 14 regular-season goals.

Zardes, who is currently participating in the United States national team training camp, has earned 37 caps with the U.S. in the past three years, most recently in last summer's Gold Cup.

"We are excited to welcome Gyasi to Columbus,"Crew coach Gregg Berhalter said. "Gyasi is a talented forward that has been successful in this league and with the U.S. men's national team. He is a high character individual and has a bright future in Major League Soccer and with our club"