Big Shakeup: Ryan Porteous Joins LAFC from Watford
If you thought LAFC was going to sit tight after Aaron Long’s season ended with that brutal Achilles injury, think again. They’ve just pulled off a major signing, bringing in Ryan Porteous, a tough-as-nails Scottish defender, all the way from Watford. This isn’t a short-term fix either. Porteous is tied to LAFC until 2028, and they’re holding an option to extend to 2029. The club didn’t just swoop in and grab him—it took LAFC some maneuvering. They first had to get his Discovery Priority rights from Toronto FC, which cost $100,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (that’s basically MLS currency for trades and deals).
Porteous won’t slot in until his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa clear, but make no mistake, the club expects him to make a big impact straight away. He’s set to fill an international roster slot, and if you’ve followed his career, you know he’s well worth it. This is a guy with a real knack for reading the game and making smart plays out of the back—something LAFC really needs right now.
Porteous’s Track Record: Tough Tackler with Leadership Skills
So, who’s the new guy in black and gold? Porteous is only 26, yet he has already logged minutes in Scotland’s top flight, the English Championship, and on the international stage. Before coming to LAFC, he spent five months with Preston North End on loan, racking up 11 appearances and finding the net once. Not bad for a defender.
His main stretch in England came with Watford, where he tallied 76 appearances over two and a half seasons. Seven goals and five assists from center-back? You can see why LAFC fans are buzzing. Going back further, Porteous made his name at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, registering 24 goals and 13 assists in an impressive 274 outings. Clearly, he’s not just a stay-at-home defender—he contributes on both ends of the pitch.
LAFC’s leadership—especially Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington—wanted someone who could step in, keep things organized at the back, and maintain that fast, attacking buildup play. Porteous checks all those boxes. He’s vocal, aggressive, and confident playing out from the back, which fits perfectly into LAFC’s system.
On top of all that club experience, Porteous stands out internationally too. He’s lined up for Scotland 13 times, including matches in the recent UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. That kind of big-stage poise is exactly what LAFC needs, especially as they push deeper into league and cup competitions.
The pressure is there. LAFC’s ambitions are sky-high every season. Bringing in someone like Porteous after losing a key defender is a statement—they’re not letting up. If you’ve watched Porteous for Scotland, or in his English and Scottish club days, you know he thrives in physical, high-stakes matches. LAFC are betting he’ll bring that same edge to Major League Soccer, helping them chase trophies well into the future.
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