MLS
Can LAFC afford to sign Olivier Giroud this summer?
Steve Cherundolo’s side lost DP striker Carlos Vela over the off-season and are reportedly keen to bring the French World Cup winner as a replacement.
LAFC are reportedly eager to sign experience AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud this summer. The Frenchman’s contract with the Serie A club expires this year and he would be available on a free transfer.
The Athletic reports that talks between LAFC and Giroud have advanced and the 37-year-old is now considering his options. Giroud won the World Cup with France in 2018 and has enjoyed a lengthy career at the top table of European soccer.
His compatriot and long-time international teammate Hugo Lloris joined LAFC over the off-season. LAFC hold Giroud’s MLS discovery rights, ensuring they they have priority status if he opts for a move the United States.
Steve Cherundolo’s side lost Designated Player striker Carlos Vela after his contract expired at the end of the 2023 campaign. Talks with the Mexican have continued but no deal has been reached. Giroud could well be the new focal point for a stacked LAFC attack.
How could LAFC afford Olivier Giroud?
The Frenchman may be reaching the end of his illustrious career but he would likely demand a significant salary package with LAFC. The 2022 MLS Cup winners recently gave reigning Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga a new contract and resigned Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras.
With Lloris also arriving from the Premier League, how could LAFC afford to add Giroud to their squad?
For a start, they moved on a number of high-profile players during the off-season. In addition to Vela they parted ways with Kellyn Acosta and Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini retired at the end of 2023.
Last month LAFC general manager John Thorrington appeared on the Offside With Taylor Twellman podcast, revealing that the team’s budget would stretch to more major additions this year.
He explained: “Whether it’s now or in the summer, I think we’ll have a big signing, a significant signing – at least one more.”
“As much as we can, we plan very thoroughly for a window from now, two windows from now and so on,” Thorrington continued. “But then as needs arise, hopefully we have the flexibility to add what we need to go for it because that’s what this club does.”
He may be 37 years old but Olivier Giroud remains an extremely effective player for AC Milan, helping the Italian giants to the semi-finals of the Champions League less than a year ago. It would be a major coup for LAFC if they are able to secure his services this summer, one that could catapult them back among the favourites to lift MLS Cup again later this year.