As Major League Soccer (MLS) celebrates its 30th season, the Los Angeles Galaxy is making significant roster moves to prepare for the upcoming campaign. Despite being six-time MLS Cup champions, the Galaxy will start their season with a notable absence: star midfielder Riqui Puig. His departure from the team will undoubtedly leave a void, but the club has made several off-season moves to ensure they remain competitive in 2024.
The winter transfer window saw Galaxy General Manager Kuntz continue his reshuffling of the team. A year ago, Kuntz made a splash by bringing in international players Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, both of whom had standout rookie seasons in 2023. The Galaxy will rely heavily on their continued growth and impact on the field to offset the loss of Puig, who was a pivotal part of the midfield. Additionally, goalkeeper John McCarthy was acquired to replace Jonathan Bond, providing a fresh option in goal.
In other major changes, the Galaxy shipped MLS Cup Finals MVP Gastón Brugman to Nashville SC in exchange for veteran midfielder Sean Davis. The trade not only strengthens the midfield depth but also adds a seasoned player to help lead the team through a challenging season. The team also used their first-round selection in the MLS SuperDraft to secure midfielder Jason Bucknor from the University of Michigan, further bolstering their roster.
Key Trades and Player Movement
The most recent trade involved midfielder Marky Delgado, who was sent to Los Angeles FC (LAFC), a significant Western Conference rival. In return, the Galaxy received $400,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), which will be spread over two years (2025 and 2026). Delgado had been a fixture in the Galaxy midfield for several years, making 106 appearances and starting 94 of them. His departure marks the end of an era, as he was instrumental in the club’s sixth MLS Cup victory.
Delgado’s trade highlights the Galaxy’s ongoing roster overhaul, as the team also lost Brazilian midfielder Igor Jesus to LAFC, further intensifying the rivalry between the two LA-based teams. With these departures, the Galaxy will look to fill key spots in midfield, especially with the absence of key figures like Delgado and Puig.
Despite the player exits, the Galaxy have secured some promising new additions. Veteran midfielder Sean Davis, a key player acquired in the trade with Nashville SC, will join the Galaxy’s roster, bringing his experience to the midfield. Davis’ leadership will be critical, especially in guiding the younger players through a packed and demanding season. In addition to Davis, Jason Bucknor’s arrival gives the Galaxy an exciting, youthful prospect in midfield, who will look to make his mark in his first MLS season.
Another addition to the Galaxy roster is German international Marco Reus, who will bring added creativity to the midfield, alongside veteran Edwin Cerrillo. These signings will provide the team with the depth needed to manage the challenges of a 34-game regular season, the Leagues Cup, and the U.S. Open Cup, as well as the MLS playoffs. The team will rely on these new additions, along with a core of established players, to remain competitive and push for success.
The Challenge of Rivalry Matches
The trade of Delgado to LAFC ensures that the already intense rivalry between the two teams will only be heightened this season. The two teams will meet twice at Dignity Health Sports Park, with the first clash scheduled for May 18 and the second for July 19. The Galaxy are coming off a perfect 16-0 regular season record at home last year, and they will be hoping to maintain that dominance. However, with the departures of key players and the addition of rivals like Delgado and Jesus to LAFC, these matchups will be even more critical for both teams.
As the Galaxy enter the 2024 season, they are undergoing a period of transition, with several key players departing and new additions joining the team. The challenge will be for the squad to blend these new faces into the existing structure while maintaining chemistry with the returning stars. Despite the turnover, the Galaxy’s primary goal remains to compete at the highest level and contend for another MLS Cup. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team will strive to stay competitive throughout a season filled with new challenges and intense rivalries.
