A few days ago the LA Galaxy released winger Aleksandar Katai after racist and threatening comments were released from his wife’s Instagram. It was a big moment for the club to stand against the awful comments and get that evil out of their locker room. But Katai was a talented player. He accounted for 18 goals and 11 assists in his 64 games of MLS action, most of them coming with the Chicago Fire. The Galaxy are a big team in this league and they have a stud winger in Cristian Pavon along with star striker Chicharito. Who fills in at the other wing? Sure they could push Seba Lletget away from his attacking midfield role and stick him on the wing. Shit… maybe even force Ethan Zubak to join the starting XI and play wing. What would I like to see? I’d like to see the Galaxy go out and get a decent player to come in and create a killer attack. Here’s who’d I like to see:

The Not Likely But Would Be Amazing On The Field:

Renato Ibarra, Free Agent (Formerly of Club America)

The 29 year old Ecuadorian international has had a hell of a time lately. After recently getting released from a jail in Mexico City due to his domestic abuse charges being dropped AND being pretty much banned from Club America, Ibarra is a free agent. Now am I for this pick-up? Not really. I don’t think adding a problematic winger to replace a problematic winger is the smartest move, but it is an option. On the field, Ibarra would be a beast. In 21 appearances for America this past season he recorded 4 goals and 5 assists. His impact is felt when he plays and thats for certain. The former Liga MX Champion could find a new home in southern California playing for another yellow and blue club.

The Not Likely But Would Be Amazing For USMNT Fans:

Lynden Gooch, Sunderland

The young American has been having a pretty decent season in England’s League 1. His 10 goals and 2 assists in 33 appearances have lead him to having his best season in a Sunderland uniform. But once again it looks like Sunderland will be on the outside looking in on promotion to the Championship. In my personal opinion, Gooch is too good of a player to be playing his ball in England’s third tier. Are there probably some options for Sunderland to tell him to a Championship club? I’m sure! That’s why I have this move down as not likely, but, is MLS an option for any young American looking for a bounce back? Oh hell yeah. The 24 year old was making caps for the USMNT a few years ago, but now his national team picture looks bleak. I would bet a successful season scoring goals and setting up Javier Hernandez would get him back on that USMNT route.

Haven’t Heard Much About Him In A While… So Why Not Pick:

Rubio Rubin, Club Tijuana/Dorados

Rubin has been playing most of his games lately on loan with Mexican 2nd division side Dorados. I would say other than playing some soccer under Diego Maradona, it’s not the most ideal place to be playing as a younger player. Now that Mexico’s soccer federation has put a stop to promotion/relegation for the next few seasons, I would imagine playing in Mexico’s 2nd division doesn’t have many perks. If Rubio can’t start to make strides at Tijuana, I would say that a move outside of Mexico might be a real option. Why not come to the Galaxy? Now don’t get me wrong, playing Rubin on the wing would be playing him out of position. But I mean… a front three of Pavon, Chicharito, and Rubio Rubin doesn’t sound bad to me.

The Three More Likely Options:

Joao Plata, Free Agent (Formerly Real Salt Lake)

I haven’t heard this as an option yet for the Galaxy, but a pretty talented former MLS player is still just chilling out there. Plata is still on the right side of 30 (28 years old), he has a ton of MLS experience (253 games between RSL & TFC), and a proven goalscorer in MLS (63 goals), I don’t see why not? There were some Liga MX teams that were even interested in the Ecuadorian international. His ability to distribute is helpful as well as he has 49 career assists in MLS. If the Galaxy could get him on a cheaper deal I say why not! My only concern for Plata is why has he not signed anywhere? Whether it is in MLS, USL, Mexico, Ecuador or wherever… is something up with him?

Jurgen Damm, Tigres

Coming off a not so hot season for Tigres, rumours of him leaving Mexico are swerling. With only 14 appearances and 1 assist it’s not like he would be coming in with the hottest form. However, the 27 year old winger still is one of the most talented players in Liga MX and a hot commodity. Apparently the Mexican international has been on the radar of Bundesliga teams for a while, but there have been some MLS talks in there as well. To me going out and getting one of the most pure and talented attackers in Liga MX that has had European interest is a no brainer. Personally, this is the move that I would most love to see!

Fabian Johnson, Borussia Monchengladbach

With the recent news that has come out about the USMNT winger, I think this was probably easily guessed. Johnson is on the wrong end of 30 (32 years old), his head coach has no interest in re-signing him, the team is letting him hit free agency this July, and he is coming off of a season in which he hasn’t hit 300 minutes on the field… So why would the Galaxy sign him? Oh because he is a USMNT player, duh. Yeah Johnson hasn’t played for the U.S. since 2017 and has been falling out of relevance in the Bundesliga, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a spot back in his “home” country. Do I sincerely think that he could be productive in MLS? Yes 100% but do I think it would be to a Katai level? Maybe? But the jersey sales would be huge I feel. So there’s that...

Jun 8 Cut Katais... Now Where Do The Galaxy Look For Wing Help?

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