Niko Hamalainen Leaves LAFC to Rejoin QPR

Niko Hamalainen with QPR. Photo by Joe Toth/BPI/Shutterstock

Finland international defender Niko Hamalainen’s time in MLS has come to an end. LAFC announced on Tuesday that Hamalainen will leave the club following the expiration of his six-month loan, returning to his club Queens Park Rangers.

Hamalainen, who was born in Florida, made just three appearances for LAFC following his arrival in February. His contributions include assists for winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake earlier in the season.

“We would like to thank Niko for his contributions to our Club during the first half of the season, and wish him great success moving forward,” – said LAFC’s general manager John Thorrington in a statement.

After spending his youth career with FC Florida and FC Dallas, Niko Hamalainen signed with QPR in 2014. He made his professional debut for the team in October 2016 and went on to play two more games with the club. Hamalainen also spent time with lower-tier team Dagenham & Redbridge.

Hamalainen decided to represent Finland on an international level, going through all of the country’s youth ranks. His senior team debut came in January 2019, when he was a starter in a friendly with Estonia.

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