ESPNFC Senior Writer, Jeff Carlisle, a frequent and recent guest on Corner of the Galaxy, has reported that the LA Galaxy are “close” to signing former Colorado Rapids Midfielder, and US Men’s National Team member, Jermaine Jones.
Carlisle quotes LA Galaxy President, Chris Klein, as saying “We’ve acquired the rights to Jones, and we’re hopeful we can get something done there.”
Last week, LA Times Soccer Reporter, Kevin Baxter, reported that the club was hopeful to sign Jones with Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). TAM is reserved for paying-down the salary of a player who’s above the maximum allowed by MLS’ salary cap system. In 2017, that max salary budget is $480,625. This means that Jones’ salary will be above that number.
Carlisle is reporting that a league source has told him that Jermaine Jones’ salary for the 2017 season is likely to be around $525,000. Which is lower than his 2016 salary with Rapids — $650,000.
However, Jones played in just nine games for Colorado during their season and had a serious injury to his LCL that limited his playing time considerably. So any significant salary to an aging 35-year old midfielder will be a gamble for the Galaxy.
And while the specifics of the contract offer haven’t been made public, LA would be mindful to make his contract based on performance and games played, rather than just write a check to a player who’s longevity should be questioned.
However, the Galaxy do have a gaping hole in midfield and Jones would help to fill that position. And with the preseason around the corner, it’s time to start making deals and cementing in a competitive lineup.
Jermaine Jones is currently with the US Men’s National Team as they prepare for World Cup Qualifiers alongside Sebastian Lletget, and Gyasi Zardes. With this deal likely to get done, it will now be up to Jones to earn the contract he will be awarded.
With this deal likely to get done, it will now be up to Jones to earn the contract he will be awarded and to prove that he still belongs playing against younger, healthier competition.
- 1.14.2017 Corrected the Maximum Salary Budget number from $485,000 to $480,625