LAFC will name Columbus Crew scouting director Neil McGuinness as technical director, according to sources informed of the deal. Athleticism.
McGuinness will become LAFC’s No. 2, working under Director of Football and Co-Chairman John Thorrington. He is a highly respected talent identifier and will have expanded responsibilities in Los Angeles.
McGuinness has been with the Crew since 2019, leaving his role as senior scout for Scottish giants Celtic, where he was credited with pushing the club to sign Virgil van Dijk. During his time in Columbus, McGuinness helped oversee the overhaul of the team that won two MLS Cups (2020, 2023).
Columbus beat LAFC in the MLS Cup last year. The Crew are also in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final this season, seeking to become the second MLS club to win the trophy in the modern era.
More than Athleticism…
During McGuinness’ time as director of scouting in Columbus, the club acquired Cucho Hernandez, Darlington Nagbe, Lucas Zelarayan, Diego Rossi and Steven Moreira, all of whom were valuable contributors.
The other finalist for the job was Andy Howe, Newcastle’s assistant director of first-team recruitment, sources add. The 29-year-old is a rising member of Newcastle’s front office as they qualify for the Champions League ahead of this season. Howe has been an integral part of the club signing Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and many others in recent seasons.
Howe is also highly rated in the game and will likely be in the mix for future roles around MLS that open up.
LAFC’s former number 2 was Will Kuntz, who left and eventually joined rival LA Galaxy. Another key member of the front office, director of football operations Marco Garces, left this winter to join Celta Vigo. Most recently, global scout David Kammarman left the club to take a role with the New England Revolution.
McGuinness will join ahead of a busy summer transfer window for LAFC, looking to complete the squad. French legend Olivier Giroud is already on his way, as Athleticism previously reported, but LAFC should be busy beyond Giroud’s arrival.
(Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)