In a significant move within Major League Soccer (MLS), Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is set to announce the hiring of Neil McGuinness, currently the director of scouting for the Columbus Crew, as their new technical director. Sources familiar with the deal have confirmed this to The Athletic.
McGuinness will step into the role as LAFC’s second-in-command, reporting to chief soccer officer and co-president John Thorrington. With a reputation as a highly respected talent scout, McGuinness will assume a broader scope of responsibilities upon joining the Los Angeles-based club.
Having joined the Crew in 2019, McGuinness brings a wealth of experience, previously serving as a senior scout for Scottish powerhouse Celtic. His tenure at Celtic notably included advocating for the signing of now-renowned defender Virgil van Dijk. Since transitioning to the MLS with the Crew, McGuinness has played a pivotal role in reshaping the team’s roster, contributing to their MLS Cup victories in 2020 and 2023.
Notably, Columbus emerged victorious over LAFC in the MLS Cup final last year, underscoring McGuinness’s influence in shaping championship-caliber squads. Furthermore, the Crew’s current presence in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final highlights McGuinness’s eye for talent and team-building acumen, as they aim to secure a historic victory and become only the second MLS club to claim the trophy in the modern era.
LAFC’s decision to bring McGuinness on board underscores their commitment to bolstering their technical staff with top-tier talent, as they strive to maintain competitiveness and vie for MLS glory in the seasons to come. McGuinness’s proven track record and expertise in talent identification are poised to further elevate the club’s aspirations and solidify its position among the league’s elite.