Galaxy Sign Jonathan Dos Santos
- Updated: July 25, 2017
According to Ives Galarcep of Goal.com Los Angeles Galaxy have signed midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos. The Mexican International and younger brother of current Galaxy Designated Player Giovani Dos Santos will likely be signed to a Designated Player contract himself after signing with the club.
Sources: Galaxy complete $5 million transfer for Jonathan dos Santos (by @SoccerByIves) #ElTriEng #LAGalaxy #MLS https://t.co/RXfKnGcHe9 pic.twitter.com/EFbrztL1Ay
— Goal USA (@GoalUSA) July 26, 2017
Dos Santos will be joining the Galaxy after playing for just two teams previously in his career, FC Barcelona and more recently Villarreal in Spain.
Dos Santos, 27, figures to bring a box to box mindset to the Galaxy midfield. He offers a great ability in the midfield to see the field well on the offensive end and remain diligent on defense. Dos Santos had two goals and three assists last season with Villareal and has put together an impressive international career for himself with Mexico as well. Being a mainstay with the International squad since 2014 after making his debut in 2009.
Los Angeles Galaxy have been active in this transfer window in pursuing a new Designated Player to turn the tides of the struggling squad. Having lost their last 5 MLS games they currently sit out of the playoff picture. After missing out on a highly publicized deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the club seems to be taking a different approach than many expected going after a box to box midfielder over an attacker.
While the need at the very deep position for Los Angeles may be a question, the talent of Dos Santos leaves no doubt that he will help. When rumors began to circle of this transfer early this week some took to social media to voice the impact the player will have once he joins Major League Soccer.
.@LAGalaxy currently negotiating with @jona2santos to be their 3rd DP and arguably the best midfielder in @MLS. #MLS
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 24, 2017
While Galaxy fans hope Twellman is correct in his assessment of Dos Santos’ talent, some may wonder how the team can bring in the player as a Designated Player when they already have all spots filled. Giovani Dos Santos, Romain Alessandrini and Captain Jelle Van Damme currently fill out all potential Designated Player spots. However Van Damme anticipated his club needing some help along the way and had a clause put into his contract stating he can be bought down with Allocated Money, no longer making him a Designated Player if the team desires. A clause the Galaxy will surely be taking advantage of now.
A fantastic signing for Los Angeles that will have an immediate impact on the club, and will hopefully continue to benefit them moving forward.
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!