Joseph Paintsil: Ghana Winger Completes Move to MLS Side LA Galaxy, Set to Face Messi in First Game

• Ghana winger Joseph Painstil has completed his move to LA Galaxy
• The Black Stars forward ended his stay with Belgium giants KRC Genk
• Paintsil will join the team's preparation ahead of the new season

Joseph Paintsil has joined Major League Soccer giants Los Angeles Galaxy from Belgium outfit KRC Genk.

The Ghana international signed a four-year deal as a Designated Player and will occupy the international roaster of the former champions.

The 26-year-old is awaiting the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa to begin his career in the United States of America.

Painstil is expected to make his debut in the season opener against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

"Hi, my name is Joseph Paintsil, I can't wait to get started. See you soon," he said in a video shared by the club on social media.

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The forward, who also does music on the side, was unveiled with his popular record Unbreakable being played in the background.

LA Galaxy manager Greg Vanney is delighted with the arrival of the pacy and tricky winger.

“We are pleased to add a player of Joseph’s quality to the LA Galaxy,” he said. “Joseph is a dynamic winger with and without the ball who possesses the capacity to change games instantly. We look forward to integrating him into our group quickly," he added.

Painstil arrives in North America with a huge reputation, having bagged 65 goals and provided 35 assists in over 200 matches, per Transfermarkt.

At the international level, the former Tema Youth forward has represented Ghana at two Africa Cup of Nations, including the 2023 edition. He won the penalty for Ghana's opener against Mozambique.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Black Stars forward Joseph Painstil penned a heartfelt message to Ghanaians following the Black Stars' early Africa Cup of Nations exit.

The then KRC Genk winger was substituted as Ghana threw away a two-goal lead to draw with lowly Mozambique in Group B.

The Black Stars had to pack and leave the tournament after the group stage for a second successive tournament.