LAFC announced today that it has signed defender Niko Hämäläinen on a six-month loan from Queens Park Rangers of the Championship. Hämäläinen will be added to LAFC’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“Niko has a bright future ahead of him and we look forward to furthering his professional development at LAFC,” said General Manager and EVP of Soccer Operations John Thorrington. “I am confident he will prove to be a valuable addition to the group.”

The Miami, Florida native arrives in MLS after spending the last four-and-a-half seasons with English club Queens Park Rangers, seeing action in Championship and EFL Cup fixtures. In 2015, Hämäläinen enjoyed a brief loan spell with Dagenham & Redbridge in the Premier League 2.

Internationally, the 21-year-old Finnish-American made his senior team debut during Finland’s 2-1 loss against Estonia last month. Hämäläinen also appeared in all but one of Finland’s UEFO European U-21 Championship qualifiers in 2017.

TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) signs defender Niko Hämäläinen on a six-month loan from Queens Park Rangers of the Championship. The 21-year-old will be added to the Club’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).