The LA Galaxy have acquired central defender Jorgen Skjelvik on a free transfer, the club announced today. Skjelvik, 26, has represented Rosenborg BK and Stabæk in Norway and Kalmar in Sweden, in addition to representing the Norwegian national team throughout his career, most recently helping Rosenborg to a first-place finish in Norway’s Eliteserien. He will officially join the Galaxy’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC and will occupy an International roster spot.
“Jorgen has been a key player on multiple title-winning teams and has his best years of soccer in front of him,” said LA Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. “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.”
In 2013, Skjelvik joined Rosenborg BK where he made 163 appearances in all competitions, contributing six goals and 13 assists from his position in central defense. While with the club, he led his side to three first-place finishes and two second-place finishes in the Eliteserien table. Additionally, he appeared in 11 Europa League matches in total during his time there.
Prior to playing for Rosenborg, the Norwegian represented Kalmar (Sweden) and Stabæk (Norway) during his time as a professional. In all, he has made 240 appearances in the top-flight divisions in Norway and Sweden, scoring nine goals and adding 23 assists.
Internationally, Skjelvik has represented Norway in seven games during his career – including three FIFA World Cup Qualifying games and three international friendlies – making his debut for his country in 2013 at the age of 22 in a friendly against Denmark. He was a part of the team’s recent campaign in 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying games, going 90 minutes against Azerbaijan and Germany, helping Norway finish with 15 points in Group C.
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).
