Giovani Dos Santos To LA Galaxy Imminent?
By Pablo Jacobo
The Los Angeles Galaxy are on the verge of welcoming new addition Steven Gerrard to the team, and it seems they may be looking to make another splash on the market. Spanish media have put out rumors that Mexican National Team star Giovani Dos Santos is negotiating with MLS on a possible move, with the Galaxy in prime position to swoop in for his services.
A puzzling rumor since Gio is still only 26 years old and in the prime of his career. He’s had a sub-par run in Europe but has excelled at International level with El Tri. Dos Santos will be on Mexico’s Gold Cup roster this summer. Make no mistake, Dos Santos is a very skilled soccer player and would be a huge coup for the Galaxy.
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Gio became a hot prospect during his time with FC Barcelona but eventually left the Catalan club in search of playing time. He opted for Tottenham where he played sparingly, then he moved on to Mallorca where he found more success and ultimately made his return to La Liga with Villareal.
The MLS is doing everything they can to attract big stars. There is a talk circulating that they will allow a 4th designated player for all MLS clubs. The Galaxy currently have three DP’s on their roster – Omar Gonzalez, Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard.
The Galaxy have won 3 out of the last 4 MLS cups and would be a powerhouse if they can snag Dos Santos. To add a quality talent like Gio to an already stacked nucleus of Gyasi Zardes, Jose Villareal, Ignacio Maganto, Bradford Jamieson and Sebastian Lletget, the roster would be set for the next few years. Veterans Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard will solidify the LA core.
Dos Santos could have a Sebastian Giovinco type impact for the fourth place Galaxy. His dribbling skills are next to none on the pitch. A very clever left-footer and an excellent passer with tremendous vision. He’s versatile enough to play on any flank and capable of making quick runs towards the goal. He can play as the central attacking MF but I think he’s deadlier on the wings with the ability to make devastating cuts to create plays or take long distance shots.
Where would he play if he signed with the Galaxy? As I stated, he can play anywhere on the offense. Would you say that about Gerrard? A player of Dos Santos’ caliber, like Gerrard, you find a spot on the field for him. No disrespect to Stefan Ishizaki or Baggio Husidic, but they don’t possess the skill or change of pace that Gio brings. Dos Santos would bring the needed creativity that was left when Landon Donovan retired. He would ignite a devasting counter attack from either wing position which would wreak havoc for the opposition.
A win-win situation if the Galaxy can sign Giovani Dos Santos. He would draw an even bigger crowd to the StubHub Center. They would add a talented player in his prime to help the team sustain its dynasty and continue to be a force in the MLS. The draw in the Spanish community would increase for the Spanish broadcasting team on TWC Deportes as they’ll have a Spanish speaking icon to sell to the audience.
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The Galaxy would continue a tradition of signing popular Mexican players to their program. LA has signed Jorge Campos, Carlos Hermosillo and Luis Hernandez in the past. Those three players were towards the end of their career. Dos Santos joining the mix speaks volumes about the MLS. Gio is willing to overlook his home state club Monterrey to continue his career with the LA Galaxy.
If this signing becomes official, it would a huge signing for the club. The MLS’ popularity is increasing with each season. The league was turning into a retirement stop for older players to cash in one last time. MLS has managed to bring in young players like Giovinco and Jozy Altidore already and are looking to sign Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Dos Santos. A great move for the league and its legion of fans.