What happened: LAFC announced the completed move July 28. The temporary transfer leaves Smoliakov under contract with the MLS club.
Why it matters: The deal continues LAFC's July roster reshaping after Amin Boudri moved to Hammarby IF and Matt Evans joined Wacker Innsbruck. Unlike Boudri's permanent transfer, Smoliakov's loan preserves a route back to Los Angeles.
By the numbers: Smoliakov's LAFC contract runs through 2028.
What to watch: FC Kharkiv opens its 2026-27 league campaign against Veres on Aug. 1.