LAFC Add Speed and Versatility to Attack
LAFC just grabbed themselves a legitimate burner.
The Black and Gold pulled off a significant move Monday, bringing Canadian international winger Jacob Shaffelburg to Los Angeles from Nashville SC. In return, Nashville pocketed $1 million in General Allocation Money—split evenly between 2026 and 2027—plus a sell-on percentage if Shaffelburg moves on down the road.
The 26-year-old has been tearing up MLS since breaking through as a Toronto FC homegrown player. Over seven seasons between TFC and Nashville, Shaffelburg racked up 18 goals and 28 assists across 168 appearances in all competitions. That’s not world-beating production, but the guy brings something LAFC desperately needed: pure pace on the flanks.
World Cup Ambitions Meet Hollywood Spotlight
Timing matters here. Shaffelburg isn’t just looking to pad his club resume—he’s fighting for a spot on Canada’s 2026 FIFA World Cup roster. With 31 caps and six goals for the Canucks already in the bag, a move to a championship-caliber club like LAFC could be exactly what pushes him over the edge.
“Jacob is a versatile, attack-minded player who brings incredible pace and intensity to our group,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said. “He has proven himself at the international level with Canada and enters an important year with big ambitions ahead, hopefully including the World Cup.”
Translation: LAFC know they’re getting a motivated player in a contract year with World Cup dreams. That’s the kind of hunger championship teams exploit.
Reinforcing an Already Loaded Squad
Shaffelburg walks into an attacking group headlined by Son Heung-Min and reigning MLS MVP Denis Bouanga. That’s a ridiculous amount of firepower, and adding another Canadian international only deepens the roster. LAFC already snagged midfielder Mathieu Choinière on a permanent deal this offseason after his loan spell, so the Canadian connection is growing strong in LA.
Meanwhile, Nashville still has Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge leading their attack, but losing Shaffelburg’s speed and work rate leaves a noticeable gap. The GAM helps, but you can’t replace legs like that overnight.
LAFC clearly aren’t satisfied with last season. They’re adding pieces, building depth, and gunning for another trophy run. Shaffelburg just became their latest weapon.
