By Debbie Haar
Photo Credit MLSSoccer.com
After much anticipation and concern regarding the Galaxy’s seeming non-compliance with the MLS 3 designated player policy, the L.A. Galaxy announced Friday afternoon that Giovanni Dos Santos would be leaving the club.
The 29-year-old forward, joined the Galaxy on a transfer from Spanish club Villareal midway through the 2015 season with big goals and a lot of hype. According to MLSsoccer.com, Dos Santos performed well in the first year and a half of his Galaxy career with 17 goals and 17 assists. His playing time and success on the field began to fade with a mere 3 goals and 2 assists in the 2018 season.
After ongoing injuries and muscular issues, Gio was off the field for the entirety of the Galaxy’s 2019 preseason. Gio’s lack of presence and continual injuries were not the Galaxy’s only problem as they still had 4 designated players while the league allows only 3.
The other 3 DP’s on the Galaxy’s roster are French midfielder Romain Alessandrini, Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Mexican midfielder Jonathan dos Santos, Gio’s younger brother. Gio dos Santos’ contract guaranteed him $6 million in 2018, the 5thhighest salary in MLS soccer.
On Wednesday the Galaxy announced the transfer of 29-year-old Norwegian forward Ola Kamara to Shenzhen F.C. of the Chinese Super League. Kamara spent 4 years in MLS, first with Columbus Crew and one season with the Galaxy. In his lone season with the club, he played 31 matches and had 14 goals and 2 assists. The Athletic’s Kristian Dyer was first to break the details of his 3-year, $3 million a year contract with a hefty $3.5 million transfer fee.
L.A. Galaxy General Manager Dennis te Kloese was quoted as saying “This decision will be mutually beneficial to both our club and Ola. Ola wanted to pursue opportunities elsewhere, and we worked to complete a move that will give us options to strengthen our roster moving forward. We thank Ola for what he has contributed to this club and wish him the best in his future.”
The Galaxy may have lost two players this week but they were excited to announce two very promising additions. Midfielder Emil Cuello, 22, was picked up by the Galaxy with the 19thoverall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. Cuello, an Orem, Utah native played midfield for Southern Methodist University the last four years winning a slew of awards and accommodations.
Te Kloese said “He has played well during our preseason, showing his ability and technicality. We look forward to Emil officially joining our roster and his contributions during the upcoming season.” During the preseason games, the fans were buzzing after seeing first hand what Cuello has to offer the team.
The Galaxy Friday announced the signing of 17-year-old defender Julian Araujo after much talk about the teams need for defenders. Araujo, from Lompoc, was a part of the L.A. Galaxy Boy’s Academy and has also spent time with the U.S. Soccer Youth National Teams.
Te Kloese stated, “Julian is one of the best young defenders in Southern California and we thrilled he has chosen to begin his professional career with the L.A. Galaxy.”
In order to secure Araujo, the Galaxy, in a prior transaction, traded $50,000 in TAM to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for the number 1 spot in the Waiver Order. The Galaxy was then able to select Araujo off those waivers.
With all the last minute changes to the Galaxy’s roster this week, the fans are curious to see how all this change will materialize on the field. The L.A. Galaxy 2019 home opener is Saturday, March 2, at 5pm against the Chicago Fire at the Dignity Health Sports Park.
Featured image: @LAGalaxy