LA Galaxy’s Dylan Vanney Joins Real Betis: Details & What to Expect | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy made official the one-season loan of 18-year-old midfielder Dylan Vanney to Spain’s LaLiga side Real Betis.

Vanney, son of former player and current LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney, had been playing with the club’s reserve team, Ventura County FC, in MLS NEXT Pro.

Vanney joined the LA Galaxy academy in 2021 and, four years later, was named the 2025 Academy Player of the Year after being key to the U-19s winning the MLS NEXT Cup Championship, in which he was named tournament MVP.

Vanney’s record with the California team’s academy coincides with the arrival of his father as the club’s head coach on Jan. 5, 2021. From their different contexts and levels, both have been successful in Los Angeles; the elder Vanney won the MLS Cup in 2024, and the younger Vanney won the championship with the U-19s.

Dylan accumulated 47 games with Ventura County FC in all competitions between 2024 and 2026, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists, including 15 matches in 2026 for seven goals and three assists and 26 appearances in 2025 for five goals and three assists, according to the Galaxy’s official website.

Now, a transfer of such a young prospect to Europe is always exciting. But in this specific case, it is a loan. But let’s take a look at the details.

Vanney Loan to Betis Official, but Farewell Message Suggests Permanent Exit

The LA Galaxy’s official website states that it is a dry one-year loan for the 2026-27 season. That said, they cite the LaLiga side Real Betis, and that could also be somewhat confusing, to say the least.

Most likely, we will see Vanney join a Betis reserve team, meaning a youth team that obviously does not play in LaLiga. That is the same interpretation from the specialized portal Transfermarkt.

The cited site lists Betis C as Vanney’s destination club. Betis C is one of Real Betis’ reserve teams, the second behind Real Betis B. In March 2026, Betis C achieved its fourth consecutive promotion, reaching Tercera Federacion, the fifth division of the Spanish football league system.

If that is the case, it is clear that if Vanney plays well and meets expectations, he could also play with Real Betis B. Real Betis B, also known as Betis Deportivo, competes in Segunda Federacion, the fourth division of Spanish soccer.

But now let’s move on to another topic, since Vanney’s personal announcement on his social media seems more like a permanent goodbye than a temporary one.

“After five unforgettable years, it’s time to say goodbye to the LA Galaxy,” Vanney began writing on his Instagram account. “This club has been my home since I joined the Academy, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything it has given me. (…) every moment has played a huge role in shaping me both as a player and as a person.”

“I want to thank all of my family, coaches, teammates, staff, and everyone at the club who believed in me, challenged me, and supported me throughout this journey. You have all had a lasting impact on my life, and I’m forever grateful for the memories we’ve shared,” he added.

He finished by announcing that he will continue his career in Spain: “While it’s never easy to leave a place that has meant so much to me, I’m excited for the next chapter. I’m proud to announce that I’ll be continuing my journey with Real Betis. I’m looking forward to embracing this new challenge, continuing to grow, and giving everything I have for this club. Thank you, LA Galaxy.”

All of this despite the fact that officially Vanney would have to return to Los Angeles in the summer of 2027 once his loan ends. But anyway, we will have to wait.

Vanney’s Versatility, Explosiveness Could Make Immediate Impact at Betis

Now, what can Betis fans expect from Vanney? Dylan stands out for his versatility in attack and midfield. At VCFC, he played mainly as a left winger, but also performed as an attacking midfielder and an interior midfielder.

Vanney is also currently taking part in the Concacaf U-20 Championship, and in the two matches he has played, he has performed as a winger. So yeah, Betis fans can expect explosiveness from this player, good passing, assists, goals, and although he is not an expert at it, sometimes some good dribbles.

Vanney, Berhalter Become Latest Sons of USMNT Coaches to Head to Europe

Vanney is not the only son of U.S. soccer legends who just secured a move to Europe. There is also Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter.

Berhalter, 25, has just been transferred to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough, who are without a doubt among the favorites to earn promotion to the top tier of English soccer. The signing of Berhalter is a statement of intent to achieve that goal.

There is a clear parallel in their developmental path: both go through the MLS academy/Homegrown route and establish themselves as midfielders with good reading of the game and composure on the ball. Vanney, although listed as a left winger on Transfermarkt, has been playing a lot as an attacking midfielder or offensive interior: he was in charge of set pieces with the U-20 team and has goal-scoring numbers.

Berhalter is a more complete and established central midfielder, box-to-box, capable of leading the press, connecting play, and contributing numbers in the final third (20 goals and more than 30 assists with the Whitecaps). Different role, but the common thread is that both are very “coach-like” midfielders, tactically disciplined and with good feet.