Transfer News: Giovani Dos Santos and Roster Issues
- Updated: July 18, 2015
Rumors have flowed throughout the soccer community this month as the summer transfer window opened on July 8 for Major League Soccer. Andrea Pirlo signed with New York City FC, Erik Friberg signed with the Seattle Sounders again, and Steven Gerrard officially joined the LA Galaxy. But, what’s this? Another Galaxy signing?
Yes, after several weeks of rumors, the LA Galaxy has signed Giovani Dos Santos, a Mexican midfielder, from Villarreal CF in Spain for a $7 million transfer fee. Only July 14, Kevin Baxter of the LA Times leaked a story that confirmed the deal (a link to the story can be found below). It might be a few weeks before he joins the Galaxy though since he is currently competing with the Mexican National Team in the Gold Cup. He has been signed to a 4-year contract, so he’ll be with the Galaxy until 2019. Rumors suggest he could make his debut on August 5th against the Seattle Sounders.
Together with Sebastian Lletget, Juninho, and Steven Gerrard, I am expecting amazing work from Dos Santos and the Galaxy midfield. The Mexican player has even been compared to Landon Donovan, so it should be an excellent fit.
The Dos Santos signing, however, presents the Galaxy with another issue—which of LA’s international players will be released?
Earlier in the week, the LA Galaxy traded an international roster spot to New York City FC in exchange for allocation money. Stefan Ishizaki’s release opened up that spot on the Galaxy’s roster, so now the team only has six international roster spots—and they’re already taken by Leonardo, Steven Gerrard, Jaime Penedo, Raul Mendiola, Mika Vayrynen and Ignacio Maganto.
My bet is that Mika Vayrynen will soon be leaving the LA Galaxy. It’s been a tough adjustment so far for him, and he has failed to make much of a difference in the games he’s played. Of course, there are rumors about Jaime Penedo being unhappy with his contract. I’m confident that we won’t lose Maganto or Leonardo. Gerrard is out of the question. Mendiola—it’s debatable. He could also be on his way out, but I hope not. He’s a young player that the Galaxy could groom into a successful first-team member.
Rumors, transfers, and releases—so much excitement that never gets old! Let’s see how this plays out! Who do you think will be released?
Galaxy acquires Mexico team star Giovani Dos Santos after long pursuit
Rumor Roundup: Dos Santos to LA Galaxy? — Corner of the Galaxy
LA Galaxy May Need to Make Room for Gio dos Santos: Who’s on the Chopping Block?
Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things LA Galaxy and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, all the time!
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