Angling to boost its depleted midfield following key departures in the offseason, the Los Angeles Football Club has acquired a player named after the king of the Norse gods to reinforce the middle of the park. Five days shy of his 22nd birthday, Norwegian central midfielder Odin Thiago Holm, who spent the past season and a half playing for Celtic FC in the Scottish Premiership, joined LAFC on a loan through 2025, the club announced Monday. “Odin is very good technically and as a young player has the ability to read the game well,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said. “We are excited to add a player with a dynamic profile like Odin who will help us continue to pursue our goal of winning multiple trophies this season.” The departures of Ilie Sanchez, Eduard Atuesta and Lewis O’Brien as well as an expected move of Erik Dueñas to Houston had left the LAFC midfield cupboard bare. Current midfielders include Timothy Tillman, homegrown Jude Terry, Mateusz Bogusz and David Martínez, though Bogusz and Martínez spent the bulk of their playing time up front in the attack in 2024. Head coach Steve Cherundolo also plugged in defender Eddie Segura in a defensive midfield role, and forward Cristian Olivera took on the assignment of wingback for stretches. LAFC is likely to sign two more midfielders prior to the start of the season, which begins with a CONCACAF Champions Cup match on Feb. 18 in Colorado. Igor Jesus, a 21-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder, has been linked to the club. Hailing from Trondheim, Norway, Holm signed a five-year deal with Celtic in June 2023, reportedly earning a transfer fee of 3 million British pounds for Vålerenga, where he debuted at the age of 15. Holm played 13 games in his first season after the touted prospect became the initial signing of head coach Brendan Rodgers’ second stint in charge of the Scottish power. Playing sporadically for Celtic in 2024, Holm logged 24 minutes in three league appearances. He wasn’t included on Celtic’s UEFA Champions League squad and struggled with calf injuries. Last November, Rodgers described Holm as talented, but said the player needed to get more out of it and work harder in training.