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RUMOR TRACKER: 2024

Josh Guesman
LA Galaxy
15 min read

The LA Galaxy get mentioned in rumors every time someone wants to join MLS. We’ll tell you what we know and whether you should believe it.

COG STUDIOS, Calif. — Welcome to the Will Kuntz era. Named general manager ahead of the 2024 season, Kuntz will be responsible for structuring a team around the fourth year of a four-year contract from Greg Vanney.

In a bit of a twist, Kuntz reported to Vanney throughout the last season. And now, Kuntz is Vanney’s boss and ultimately responsible for evaluating his former boss in a make-or-break season for the former Galaxy player.

Below, you’ll find some of the rumors that have popped up throughout the offseason and, likely, into the season for the 2024 season.

You can use the star system to guide your thoughts on each player. We’ll do our best to provide context for our decisions, but sometimes, we’ll wander into the “trust me, bro” phase before nailing anything down officially.

If you have any rumors, please feel free to share them. Provide a link to the rumor. We’ll do our best to get you a star rating if it’s something we can entertain.

This will be an exciting offseason with two Designated Players available for the Galaxy and Major League Soccer hinting they will be making some rule changes. We’ll try to navigate it all for you.

THIS TRACKER WAS LAST UPDATED ON JANUARY 30, 2024

  • 1.17.24 – updated the Paintsil Rumor & Rukavina Rumor
RUMOR RANKING GUIDE
  • ⭐️ = COLD
  • ⭐️⭐️ = NOT AS COLD
  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️ = WARM
  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = HOT
  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = REALLY HOT
RUMOR CHART
NAMEAGEPOSCURRENT CLUBRUMOR RANKING
JOHN MCCARTHY31GKFREE AGENT (LAFC)✅
MIKI YAMANE30RBKAWASAKI FRONTALE✅
GABRIEL PEC22RWVASCO DE GAMA✅
JOSEPH PAINTSIL25RWGENK⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GABRIJEL RUKAVINA19LWDINAMO ZAGREB⭐️⭐️⭐️
RAMON SOSA24RWCA TALLERES⭐️⭐️⭐️
PABLO SOLARI22RWRIVER PLATE⭐️⭐️⭐️
JAMIRO MONTEIRO30CMFREE AGENT (SJ)⭐️
OSMAN BUKARI25RWRED STAR BELGRADE⭐️
EDWIN HERRERA25LBJUNIOR FC⭐️
FACUNDO PELLISTRI22RW/LWMANCHESTER UNITED☠️
CARLOS VELA34RWFREE AGENT (LAFC)☠️
RUMORS

PAINTSIL TARGETED FOR RELEASE CLAUSE FROM GENK: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

UPDATED RUMOR 1.30.24 — So you thought we forgot about this rumor? Despite the fact that we’ve mentioned Paintsil on almost every podcast we’ve done?

While there is no specific information we can share, we can once again point to the star ranking in this rumor to tell you that this one still has a lot of life. While the progress could probably measured in inches and not feet at this point, moving forward is still an important key to success for this rumor.

The Belgian transfer window closes on Thursday. And while the window is open in MLS, Genk would want to find a replacement for Paintsil before the window closes.

With Pec across the line (and has been for quite some time) is Paintsil next?!

UPDATED RUMOR 1.17.24 — A report this morning that the Galaxy have put in an official offer on Paintsil. This would be at the buyout clause that Genk is required to accept — approximately $8.5 million.

There’s more to this than it seems. Galaxy have made him a primary target, with the biggest hold-up being the personal terms between the player and the Galaxy. That being said, that hurdle may have been cleared, but we’re awaiting confirmation.

ORIGINAL RUMOR 1.11.24 — LA Galaxy could be keen on paying the release clause on the 25-year-old winger Joseph Paintsil who is currently playing in Belgium for Genk. Reports claim that Paintsil, who scored 20 goals and added 16 assists in his last two seasons with Genk, has a $8.5 Million release clause that could be activated by the Galaxy.

However, it seems that initially, Paintsil has asked for too much money from the Galaxy and that personal terms were not close. However, sources have indicated to CoG that they like Paintsil and continue working on acquiring his talents.

But the release clause could have already expired, according to some reports, and Genk would be keen to ask for more money should the release clause not be officially recognized.

There are a lot of moving parts on this, but the Galaxy remain keenly interested.

GALAXY LOOKING AT GABRIJEL RUKAVINA: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

UPDATED RUMOR 1.17.24 – Rukavina may have more suitors than just the Galaxy. What do you expect from a rising talent? We’ll need to get more info on exactly where the Galaxy stand on this.

ORIGINAL RUMOR 1.9.24 – The Galaxy is interested in 19-year-old Gabrijel Rukavina. The reports state that a nearly $3 million transfer fee is expected for the winger (capable of playing both sides). He’s currently playing for GNK Dinamo Zagreb.

Rukavina would likely occupy the U22 slot and continue helping to solidify a winger position that has seen all sorts of focus. He’s a right-footed left winger who seems to like the inverted position.

COG can independently confirm interest for the player. But how serious all of that is, remains up in the air. Time will tell.

CLUB RECORD FOR SOSA: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

RUMOR UPDATE 1.7.24 — Sosa and Talleres have decided to wait. Per multiple reports, the Galaxy had a bid of $12.5M rejected. Galaxy are supposedly unwilling to pay any more.

ORIGINAL RUMOR 12.14.23 — The LA Galaxy are chasing 24-year-old Ramon Sosa, The Athletic is reporting. The Paraguan right-winger is currently playing for CA Talleres in Argentina, where he’s scored ten goals and seven assists in 35 appearances (2,608 minutes) for Talleres across all competitions.

The Athletic mentions that the Galaxy are likely to go above their club record in transfer fees for Sosa. That record was set by the acquisition of Chichartio for $9.5 million.

Sosa has eight caps with Paraguay and is a rising talent. And with a reasonably open spot on the right, with Diego Fagundez expected to play there, Sosa could be the spark that the Galaxy are looking for. Sosa can also play the left side if needed, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a switching role with whomever they pair him with.

With Kuntz’s focus on youth and availability, Sosa checks off all the “needs” the Galaxy are hunting for.

He would be a Designated Player by rule and wouldn’t be counted as a “Young DP.”

COG REPORTING: We don’t need to tell you this, but this is a real rumor as Tom Bogert and Paul Tenorio have spelled out. Galaxy are in pursuit. Let’s see how this one lands.

GALAXY LOOKING TO RIVER AND SOLARI FOR WINGER: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ORIGINAL RUMOR 12.26.23 — Cesar Luis Merlo is reporting that the LA Galaxy are interested in 22-year-old winger Pablo Solari. Solari has featured 21 times for River Platte with 1,228 minutes, five goals, and seven assists.

River is supposedly asking almost twice as much as the Galaxy’s reported offer of $10 million.

Solari is averaging an assist every two games or .50 per 90. His non-penalty XG per 90 is 0.44. FBRef.com lists him as a similar player to Denis Bouanga – 2023’s MLS Golden Boot Winner.

With numbers being thrown around as an asking price of somewhere around $15-20 million, these negotiations seem far from over.

For right now, Solari could qualify as a Young DP. A U-22 deal seems unlikely for him.

COG REPORTING: CoG can verify that the Galaxy are indeed interested in Solari. Solari and the previous rumor, Sosa, are both very big pieces that could be looked at for Young DP and or Senior Restricted DP, respectively. And while landing both isn’t completely out of the question, it does seem unlikely. That would be a big spend by the Galaxy.

Any numbers that are out in the media are out there for a reason. This is all negotiations by both the Galaxy and River. Numbers will be inflated if they find their way out to the general public.

MIDFIELDER MONTEIRO BEING COURTED BY LA: ⭐️

ORIGINAL RUMOR 1.4.23 — Rumors started to surface that the LA Galaxy were one of three MLS teams (San Jose Earthquakes, and New York City FC) that were interested in the services of 30-year-old Jamiro Monteiro. Monteiro is a free agent and last played with the Earthquakes.

He’s a central midfielder that is capable of playing a couple of positions. But perhaps a Riqui Puig backup, if you will.

COG can report that the Galaxy are NOT interested in Monteiro. And that should end that.

GALAXY CHASING DEFENDER EDWIN HERRERA: ⭐️

ORIGINAL RUMOR 12.14.23 — Edwin Herrera is a left-back playing for Junior FC in the Colombian first division. The rumor below states that the Galaxy have offered the 25-year-old a deal but that it was far short of his expectations, and they were awaiting another offer to head their way.

He has over 40 games played in nearly 3500 minutes, with one goal and four assists. He’s also made six appearances with Colombia’s U23 National Team.

COG REPORTING: While we can’t tell you if there is truth that the Galaxy approached Herrera, we can tell you that if they did, they’re no longer chasing him. Sources indicate no current plans to add Herrera to the roster.

GALAXY INTERESTED IN BUKARI: ⭐️

ORIGINAL RUMOR (12.14.23): Ghanasoccernet.com reports that the LA Galaxy is pursuing Red Star Belgrade right-winger Osman Bukari (among others). The 25-year-old Ghanaian has seven goals and five assists so far this season and could be wanted by teams from Russia to England.

Bukari has 11 appearances with Ghana’s national team and would be a good speedy addition to the club.

COG REPORTING: As with Herrera above, Bukari might have been a target for the Galaxy at one time — although those links seem fragile at best — but for now, the Galaxy aren’t in pursuit. Put his one to bed for a while, and we’ll pick it back up should things change.

CARLOS VELA TO THE GALAXY? ☠️

ORIGINAL RUMOR 1.13.24 – NO.

COG REPORTING: NO. Sources have indicated that the Galaxy will not be adding Carlos Vela to the roster and any suggestions otherwise are incorrect.

OLD RUMORS

PELLISTRI SEEKING AN EXIT FROM MANCHESTER UNITED? ☠️

UPDATED RUMOR 1.16.24 – Romano has published an update that Pellistri will be headed to Granada on loan. We said that this was a long-shot move. And that the Galaxy weren’t exactly hopeful of its success. So this isn’t a surprise.

ORIGINAL RUMOR 1.8.24 – Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Galaxy are getting ready to submit a bid for Facundo Pellistri who is currently playing for Manchester United.

Pellistri has just turned 22 years old and is a native of Uruguay. He’s been on loan multiple times from United and currently has just nine appearances for 172 minutes in the Premier League in 2023-2024. He plays a position of need for the Galaxy as they target more and more wingers.

COG REPORTING: More of a long shot for the Galaxy to land. Both PSV Eindhoven and Villarreal are interested in grabbing the youngster. This one seems like a stretch.

CONFIRMED RUMORS:

GALAXY TARGET PEC FOR YOUNG DP ROLE: ✅

UPDATE 1.10.24 – Corner of the Galaxy can confirm that Pec’s transfer will be for $10 million, $ 1.5 million in incentives, and a 30-percent sell-on clause for Vasco de Gama. Those numbers indicate a record deal for the Brazilian, who will be listed as a Young Designated Player.

This one should be done soon.

Kevin Baxter reports the deal is done. https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/galaxy/story/2024-01-10/gabriel-pec-galaxy-most-expensive-transfer-in-club-history

ORIGINAL RUMOR 1.7.24 – The LA Galaxy are going after 22-year-old winger Gabriel Pec, CoG can confirm. The Athletic has reported that an offer of $10 million has been tendered to Vasco De Gama for the right-sided player.

Sources indicate that the Galaxy are “hopeful” the deal gets across the line and see the Brazilian as someone who can play on both the left and the right.

COG was the first to report that they’re targeting PEC for a Yound DP slot. That would allow the Galaxy to have three U22 Initiative players on the roster (currently, Joveljic and Aude occupy two of the three slots).

BOGERT REPORTS THAT MCCARTHY SIGNS WITH GALAXY: ✅

OFFICIAL 1.5.24 — The LA Galaxy officially announced goalkeeper John McCarthy on Friday. The deal is for two years and will conclude at the end of the 2025 season. McCarthy was a free agent.

“John brings a wealth of experience, ranging from playing in the USL to being the MVP of an MLS Cup Final, that is invaluable,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz. “He is a veteran leader who will add depth and competition at the goalkeeper position and we are excited to add him to our group. ”

ORIGINAL RUMOR 12.29.23 – The Athletic’s Tom Bogert is reporting that 31-year-old goalkeeper John McCarthy is joining the LA Galaxy. McCarthy is a free agent after playing his last two seasons with LAFC.

He was named the 2022 MLS Cup MVP after he replaced injured goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. He also played for Inter Miami and his hometown Philadelphia Union.

COG REPORTING: Tom is always right, so he doesn’t need us to confirm anything. But we can do that. Also, it seems that McCarthy is not only a top-quality backup but also comes highly ranked as one of the best locker room guys.

With the Galaxy likely to be focusing on Micovic for this season, and with Bond’s future up in the air, McCarthy is going to be a great guy to have off the bench if you need him.

GALAXY IN ‘SERIOUS’ TALKS WITH RIGHT-BACK MIKI YAMANE: ✅

RUMOR UPDATE (1.5.24) – Per source, the LA Galaxy have signed RB Miki Yamane to a 3-year deal. Details and an official announcement are expected soon. Official at 5PM local time.

RUMOR UPDATE (1.4.24) – Yamane is still on track to be added to the roster. Would expect that to happen sometime soon.

RUMOR UPDATE (12.12.23) – GM Will Kuntz came on the podcast and spoke about visiting Japan to see Yamane play. He says there’s probably some fire with that smoke. And that’s enough to move this to five stars. While we wait for contract talks to play out, Yamane seems to be an exciting defender who is capable of getting into the offensive attack and also playing some stout defense. If he’s a shadow of Calegari, no one should be complaining!

ORIGINAL RUMOR (12.9.23) – The LA Galaxy are interested in 29-year-old Japanese right-back Miki Yamane. Yamane has played in 171 games across all competitions in the J1 league in Japan for Kawasaki Frontale and has 12 goals and 30 assists during that time. He would be an excellent addition after the Galaxy decided not to bring back the injured Calegari and have moved away from Kelvin Leerdam.

Additionally, he has 16 caps for the Japanese National team with two goals but hasn’t featured since 2022.

In 2023, Yamane started in 33 of his club’s 34 games. with two goals and two assists.

COG REPORTING: We can confirm that the Galaxy have a genuine interest in Yamane. The talks are “serious” in nature and the club has recently returned from visiting Yamane in Japan. Where it stands after all that is currently up in the air, but this is not a drill and the first REAL rumor of 2024.