New England Revolution sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena is doubling down on players from Accra, Ghana.
The Revolution acquired midfielder Latif Blessing from Los Angeles FC on Tuesday in exchange for $400,000 General Allocation Money. LAFC could receive additional GAM if certain performance metrics are met.
Blessing, 26, is a 5-7, 140-pound MLS veteran from Accra, Ghana. Blessing departs LAFC as the club’s all-time leader in games played (145), minutes played (9,749), and second in assists (23) and fifth in goals (14) and shots (146). He was one of the first players to join LAFC in the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft.
“Latif Blessing will be a very good addition to our team,” said Arena. “He is a veteran MLS player with championship caliber experience. Latif’s speed and quickness are welcome characteristics for our midfield. We look forward to his arrival in preseason.”
Arena recently traded up in the 2023 MLS draft to select Maryland midfielder Josh Bolma, a 5-9, 138-pound player from Accra, Ghana.
Blessing enjoyed great success with LAFC, helping the club capture the MLS Cup Supporters Shield in 2019 and 2022. Blessing began his MLS career with Sporting Kansas City and owns 117 regular-season appearances, 17 goals and 24 assists.
— RICH THOMPSON
