CARSON, CA (December 14, 2017) – The LA Galaxy have signed Norwegian central defender Jorgen Skjelvik on a free transfer, the club announced today. Skjelvik comes from the club Rosenborg BK in Norway and has also featured with the Norwegian National Team.
LA Galaxy Sign Norwegian Center Back Jorgen Skjelvik
?Jorgen Skjelvik is coming to Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/JGtDaHz1qH
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 14, 2017
Skjelvik joined Rosenberg in 2013. He 163 appearances for the club and was a part of three Eliteserien championship teams. The 26-year-old also played in 11 Europa League matches.
“Jorgen has been a key player on multiple title-winning teams and has his best years of soccer in front of him. He has experience playing at a very high level for club and country and he can immediately strengthen our backline. We are excited to welcome him to Los Angeles and look forward to Jorgen representing the LA Galaxy,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid.
Prior to playing for Rosenberg, Skjelvik played for Kalmar (Sweden) and Stabæk (Norway). In his professional career, he has nine goals and 23 assists (as a center back mind you) in 240 appearances.
Skjelvik represents Norway at the international level. He has played in seven matches, making his debut in 2013. Three of those came in Word Cup Qualifiers, including play the full 90 minutes in 2018 World Cup Qualification against Germany and Azerbaijan.
Last Word:
It’s way to early to make any early conclusions, but I like this move. Scandinavia is becoming a bit of a hub for Major League Soccer. This looks like a good (probably TAM level) signing of a center back about to enter his prime. This will sure up the Galaxy defense, assuming they’re able to make the right moves at goalkeeper and right back.
Transaction: LA Galaxy acquire Norwegian defender Jorgen Skjelvik on a free transfer (*Skjelvik’s contract becomes effective with LA upon expiration of his contract with Rosenborg in January 2018).
Name: Jorgen Skjelvik
Position: Defender
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Born: July 5, 1991
Age: 26
Last Club: Rosenborg BK (Norway)
Birthplace: Bærum, Norway
Citizenship: Norway
