Not sure if a new quote, but from Baxter’s newsletter (sign up for it) “We have a road map and things that we want to do and we’re trying not to leave things,” Vanney said. “We’re trying to accomplish the things we want in this window. We’d like to do it sooner rather than later and have whoever we’re going to be adding in. But it’s making good decisions and not rushing because we’re against the clock.” Vanney, who was given the title of sporting director in addition to his coaching duties in the wake of Klein’s suspension, has a lot of resources to work with, having picked up a designated player spot with Cabral’s departure, two international roster slots and more than $1.6 million in salary cap space with the Cabral and Grandsir moves alone. But the dual roles mean he’ll be relying a lot on Michael Stephens, whom Vanney brought on last April as director of scouting. “He also needs leadership and guidance from me in terms of our player profiles, what positions we need and what we’re looking for and how the pieces are going to fit together. But he’s got a good eye. He’s extremely organized,” Vanney said of Stephens. “He’s got a whole team now working together. “We’ve made real strides to build that department and we’re in a much better proactive position than we’ve ever been.” Vanney will continue as sporting director after Klein returns from his suspension in the spring, but the coach said he expects the team president to rejoin the team-building conversations. “Ultimately we are a collaborative group,” Vanney said. “At this point Chris is outside of the collaborations on the technical side and we work with [AEG president] Dan Beckerman. He’s our point guy there. But I think when Chris comes back, he’ll slide into the discussions. “Chris has been very supportive in our plan and our project. What we’re trying to do is rebuild the club and get back to competing for championships, but also building value inside of our group and building our infrastructure. He’s been very supportive in the vision.”
Problem is that Barca wants a loan with an option to buy. That could leave the Galaxy without a quality RB this season, without the $6m, and we would get a distressed asset back after the loan if Araujo fails to impress. That’s probably in part why the Galaxy appear to have pushed for a higher loan fee.
Isco’s deal with Union Berlin has collapsed at the final stages after his medical took place with the German club.LA could possibly still sign him as a free agent. #LAGalaxy #Transfers— Alex Ruiz (@AlxRuiz15) January 31, 2023 Don’t know whether he failed his medical or the terms changed.
Based on our history under Klein this worst-of-both-worlds scenario sounds exactly like what will happen.
Reports are that the Galaxy have given the OK to Barca's second offer and the deal for Araujo is waiting approval from MLS LA Galaxy ya ha trasladado al Barça que están dispuestos a aceptar la oferta por Julian Araujo y solo están pendientes del OK de la MLS para cerrar la cesión con opción de compra de algo más de 5M del lateral derecho.Con @tjuanmarti en @relevo #fcblive pic.twitter.com/En7Euhl2Kh— Albert Rogé (@albert_roge) January 31, 2023
Well, we need to move our butts now. Galaxy is starting to get Swiss cheese look about it. I don't know about this 2023 season. Murphy's Law is beginning to get a real hold on this team.
Don't worry guys - whatever positions we don't get filled this window we can always pick up in the summer window, right?
I think it will be hard to find someone that consistently productive from the RB position under any circumstances. Julian was also tied for 2nd (and is one pass off first) for key passes last season. I personally would not describe Julian as poor for any part of the season. Poor compared to his own lofty standard for 2021, maybe, where he had a couple of MOTM-level performances (one against LAFC) but not most MLS RBs. I think he's generally pretty reliable in the final 3rd and can pick out players well. I do think he's missing a Juninho-esque long shot and maybe a couple goals a season, but if he adds that to his game he'd be pretty elite (he's been around so long it's easy to forget he's a U-23; so he'll continue to improve).
1620511462904201216 is not a valid tweet id On another note, here is a shot of the new uniform. Could look nice when all is said and done. Must be media photos day or something. They probably should reschedule until they sign the 5-6 players they need before the transfer window shuts in April.
And that is just starters. We need serious depth too. For winger depth (not starter) I'm surprised they let Dunbar go. Hell, they could sign Boateng for depth (still a free agent) and I wouldn't be upset.
Four months and 20 starts into the season he had 0 goals, 2 assists and his poor marking and other defensive mistakes were responsible for many goals against us. Moreover most observers felt he looked disinterested on the field, showing none of the passion he was known for in 2021. That is a poor start by almost anyone’s standards.
We also have no depth at forward. Chich is turning 35 in June and isn’t known for durability. We were very fortunate he made it all of last season without any significant injuries. But it is folly to count on that happening again. Remember we have a congested season coming up, likely over 50 games I think. And if he is injured this season - or just rested - our striker corp is down to only Jovljic, zero-senior-games-played Preston Judd and … Raheem. Yes, Raheem is rostered as our 4th forward. It is just laughably bad planning to go into the season with only 2 real forwards available for the 50+ games we will have to play. And of course Klein blowing up our summer transfer window makes our situation even more dire. Barring a spate of last minute signings Klein and company may have outdone themselves this year. Because so far, rather than building on last year’s modestly successful roster, we seem to be going backwards. Yet again.
Lol “almost too much”?! And if mid-30’s Chich has an injury, like he does most recent seasons? We then play with one real forward on our roster? That would mean we either play Joveljic 90 min every game or else we are starting MLS virgin Judd or our left back Raheem up top (yay, Gasper time!) Do we just give up on the side competitions like the Open? Because starting Judd or Raheem as lone strikers is pretty much giving up.
Looks like the Araujo deal is happening. $7m purchase clause BREAKING: Agreements all reached for Barcelona to sign LA Galaxy fullback Julian Araujo on loan from LA Galaxy with ~$7m purchase clause, per sources.Deal at paperwork stage now. But paperwork going down to the wire. pic.twitter.com/idy1g2CQPd— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 31, 2023
The deal with Chich is that he is not getting any younger of course and that calf of his was pretty quiet last year. Doesn't mean it wont want to act up this year. That drive from him wanting to make the WC squad and showing everybody he was still viable (which he was) with Mexico is gonzo. I just don't know if he was just taking extra steps to keep healthy and strong and if that same drive is there to a high degree. I am sure he will see the Mex/Nats at some point but more than likely it will be to say goodbye to it or maybe he will get a short run with them but I seriously doubt to the extent of 2026. And that can have an effect on a man. I hope not.
How many MLS teams have 3 quality center forwards? I guess that was my point. But whatever, there is plenty to worry about for our roster that is for sure.
I hope that’s a purchase obligation, otherwise that doesn’t look great. Basically go half the season not knowing if we need to sign a right-back or not.
Don't worry, I'm sure our FO in one of our regularly scheduled townhalls/conference calls/press conferences/fireside chats, will fill us in on all the details and give us the plan for the season.
BREAKING: Documents being signed for Julian Araujo to join Barcelona from LA Galaxy, per source.Deal about to be done for LA Galaxy homegrown to join Barcelona on loan with a purchase option just ahead of transfer window deadline. https://t.co/2hrVh96Z81— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 31, 2023 I'm so glad for Julian but also so worried for our club.