Shortly after standout forward Adama Diomande posted a heartfelt goodbye to the club and its supporters on his Twitter account on Thursday, LAFC confirmed that they and the player have mutually parted ways.
"I have decided to terminate my contract with immediate effect in order to best care for my loved ones," Diomande wrote. "Although I will miss everyone at Los Angeles Football Club, I have put a lot of thought into this decision and have come to the conclusion that it will be best for all parties."
“We believe that being an LAFC player is about more than just what happens on the field,” EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager John Thorrington said in a team statement. “Dio made us aware of a personal situation he is dealing with, and together we were able to work out a solution for both parties. We wish him all the best and are thankful for everything he helped us accomplish in Los Angeles.”
The departure will leave LAFC without one of its most important cogs in its historically potent attack for the past two seasons. The 30-year-old has put up 20 goals and 11 assists across 44 matches since joining the club in 2018.
Diomande was held out of most of the MLS is Back Tournament after he departed Orlando with a foot injury, and LAFC didn't miss a beat offensively, racking up 16 goals in 5 games before bowing out to Orlando City SC in the quarterfinals on penalty kicks. Still, this development represents a blow to Bob Bradley's depth ahead of the rest of the season.
Fellow veteran Bradley Wright-Phillips, who enjoyed a renaissance at the tournament with a goal in each of LAFC's games, will likely continue to get a lot of the minutes Diomande might have otherwise played. LAFC also moved up to No. 1 in the Waiver Order on Wednesday, potenetially signaling a signing in works as the transfer window opens.
