Galaxy signs Joseph Paintsil to 4-year contract

The Galaxy officially announced their latest Designated Player signing in forward Joseph Paintsil.

Paintsil joins the Galaxy from KRC Genk in the Belgian Pro League, signing a four-year contract through the 2027 season.

Paintsil, 26, scored 61 goals with 35 assists at three stops in Europe (KRC Genk, MKE Ankaragucu and Ferencvarosi TC). In the 2022-23 season with Genk, he had 18 goals and 14 assists.

“Joseph has been a key member of one of the best clubs in Belgium’s top flight and one of Africa’s most prominent national teams over the past few years and we are thrilled to announce that he is joining the LA Galaxy,” Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz said in a statement. “We are looking forward to adding such a dynamic attacker in the prime of his career to our group and for him to be a key figure in our pursuit of our next trophies.”

Paintsil made two appearances with Ghana in the recent Africa Cup of Nations.

“Joseph is a dynamic winger with and without the ball who possesses the capacity to change games instantly,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “We look forward to integrating him into our group quickly.”

Paintsil is the second key piece the Galaxy has acquired this offseason, joining Gabriel Pec, who joins the club from Vasco da Gama in Brazil. Pec was signed to a five-year contract. The Galaxy reportedly paid a $9 million transfer fee for Paintsil and $10 million for Pec.

Earlier this week, Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said that Pec was scheduled to arrive Wednesday night. There is a possibility Pec and Paintsil could debut in Sunday’s season opener against Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi at Dignity Health Sports Park.