SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club acquired forward Amahl Pellegrino on a permanent transfer from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt and signed him to a two-year contract through the 2025 season, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
“We’re thrilled to add such a proven scorer like Amahl, who has excelled not only domestically in Norway, but in European competitions as prestigious as the UEFA Champions League,” said Earthquakes general manager Chris Leitch. “We were looking to add production from the left wing position, so to accomplish that by bringing a quality player of this caliber to San Jose is tremendous.”
Pellegrino, 33, is the two-time reigning Golden Boot winner (2022-23) in the Eliteserien, Norway’s first division, after scoring a combined 49 goals. This past season, he netted 24 times in league play and was named the Player of the Year as Bodo/Glimt captured the Eliteserien for the third time in four seasons.
He also enjoyed success on the continental level over the past three seasons, scoring a combined 17 goals in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League. Spearheading the the Bodo/Glimt attack, the forward has led The Yellow Horde to the Conference League knockout stage three consecutive campaigns, scoring goals in wins over the likes of perennial powerhouses AS Roma and Celtic FC. Since arriving at Bodo/Glimt in 2021, Pellegrino has amassed 75 goals in all competitions (121 appearances).
A native of Drammen, Norway, Pellegrino began his career with hometown lower-division club Drammen FK, earning a first-team spot to enter the professional ranks (2009-12). Subsequently, he departed for a stint at Baerum SK (2012-14), before joining Lillestrom SK for his first taste of the Eliteserien level (2014-15).
Following three seasons at Mjondalen IF (2015-17) and two at Stromsgodset (2018-19), it was at Kristiansund BK (2019-20) where Pellegrino would emerge. After scoring eight goals in 10 appearances his first season, he netted 25 times in 29 games the following campaign. From there, he moved to Damac FC in the Saudi Pro League (2020-21) before his celebrated epoch at Bodo/Glimt.
Born in Norway to Tanzanian parents, Pellegrino recently had his first foray into international football when he was named to the Tanzania National Team’s provisional roster for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Amahl Pellegrino
Position: Forward
Height: 6-3
Born: June 18, 1990
Preferred Foot: Right
Hometown: Drammen, Norway
Previous Club: Bodo/Glimt
Nationality: Tanzania/Norway
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes acquire F Amahl Pellegrino from Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt and sign him to a two-year contract through the 2025 season, pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.
