MLS
LA Galaxy finds its ‘new Douglas Costa’ in Pablo Solari
According to journalist César Luis Merlo, the Galaxy have placed an offer for the 22-year-old River Plate forward.
The Los Angeles Galaxy have started strengthened their roster for the 2024 season. After losing two key players in Javier Chicharito Hernández and Douglas Costa, the franchise heads into the trading period with two Designated Player positions free, at least for now. According to journalist César Luis Merlo, the Galaxy have made an offer of $10 million for River Plate forward Pablo Solari. In Argentina, the word is that River have rejected the offer, which they feel is way below the player’s true market value.
The Millonarios have no plans to sell one of its bright young stars, whose termination clause has been set at $20 million. River bought 60% of Solari’s rights from Chilean club Colo Colo for just over $4 million in July 2022. This season, Solari has shone under the guidance of coach Martín Demichelis, scoring 12 goals and distributing 11 assists in the 47 games he’s played. At 22 years old and with a contract until 2026, the winger still has a lot of room for improvement, and even can afford to wait for an offer from Europe.
Solari has stood out in Argentina for being a winger who is adept at getting to the byline. And while he is not yet a first-choice starter for River, Demichelis has been giving him regular run-outs throughout the season. He has shown to to have skill in one-on-one situations, averaging 42% effectiveness in dribbling and 39% challenges won per game. His good work has secured him a place for the upcoming 2024 Pre-Olympic tournament with Argentina which will be played in Venezuela in late January/early February.
Change of direction
The Galaxy is looking to revamp a project that has not met expectations. After the million-dollar signings, and subsequent disappointments of Chicharito and Douglas Costa - experienced, veteran players already established in the elite, the sports management decided to change tack. The franchise is now looking at bringing in promising young players who can develop in MLS then sold on at a profit to European clubs. The first big name to be mentioned was that of Paraguayan winger Ramón Sosa, for whom the Galaxy were willing to break their club transfer record for with a $10 million bid - similar to what they have tabled for Solari.