CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy signed forward Matheus Nascimento for at least the first half of their 2026 season, announcing the extension of the Brazilian’s loan from Botafogo through June.
The deal, confirmed on Jan. 23, includes an option for the Galaxy to purchase Nascimento permanently. The 21-year-old will continue to occupy a valuable MLS U22 Initiative roster spot, providing attacking depth through someone familiar with the club and Vanney's system.
Here to stay.
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 23, 2026
We have extended the loan of forward Matheus Nascimento through June 2026 with a purchase option.
📰: https://t.co/h9AWRm6lPL pic.twitter.com/QqTbYpeLiF
"Matheus made great strides last year, becoming an important part of our squad despite not being able to participate in our preseason, and we are excited to watch his development continue in 2026," Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz said in a statement.
Nascimento joined the Galaxy on a season-long loan ahead of the 2025 campaign, recording six goals and four assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. His two-goal performance powered a 4-0 Leagues Cup win over Club Santos Laguna last August.
The move comes three days after the Galaxy announced another key extension, signing defender John Nelson to a new long-term contract on Jan. 20.
Bruno De Witt Zanotto - The Sporting Tribune
LA Galaxy Left Winger John Nelson (14) celebrates his goal against Colorado Rapids on Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Carson, CA.
Nelson’s deal runs through the 2027-28 season with a club option for 2028-29. The 27-year-old left back was the Galaxy’s 2025 Defender of the Year and started every match of their 2024 MLS Cup playoff run.
The Galaxy also remain in talks to acquire Brazilian forward João Klauss from St. Louis City SC in a deal worth around $2 million, according to sources briefed on the negotiations. Klauss would occupy a designated player slot for Los Angeles, filling a spot opened by midfielder Riqui Puig’s season-ending injury.
The proposed trade for Klauss, first reported by The Athletic, is not yet finalized. If completed, Klauss, Nascimento, and Christian Ramirez would lead the Galaxy's forward line under coach Greg Vanney as the club continues to integrate offseason additions including defenders Jakob Glesnes and Justin Haak.