Transfer Rumors: Udinese Striker Rodrigo Aguirre to Galaxy or Impact?
By Liam Pettit
Rodrigo Aguirre is rumored to be on his way to MLS. The 23-year-old Uruguayan forward is coming off his fourth loan stint in the past three years.
The L.A. Galaxy and Montreal Impact are both in the running to sign Udinese striker Rodrigo Aguirre. With his last club in Uruguay, Nacional, Aguirre scored 15 goals and added eight assists.
Multiple reports out of Uruguay claim Aguirre may be on the verge of inking a deal with LA, but Montreal is also in the mix. Currently, the rumors state that Aguirre would arrive in LA on a one year loan with a fee of $300,000-$400,000 with a possible buy-out option of $6,000,000. If Aguirre was to instead go to Montreal, it could be a permanent deal.
Over the years Aguirre has not been able to break into the Udinese starting lineup with just 20 appearances and one goal over the past the three years. Udinese originally purchased the striker at the age of 20 for $4.3 million from Liverpool FC Montevideo. Aside from his loan to Nacional, the Uruguayan striker has underperformed on loans to Serie B and Swiss Super League sides.
It’s worth noting that Rodrigo Aguirre is just coming off of a meniscus surgery, and has a past history of knee problems.
Aguirre is certainly a risky investment, but his recent form with his hometown club is encouraging. With Nacional, Aguirre did not just feature as a center forward, but also on both wings. A move to MLS has the potential to jump-start Aguirre’s career, after a season of tidy finishes and assists in Uruguay. A talented player that has the potential to help lift LA or Montreal out of their goal-scoring slumps.
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A Perfect Fit for LA?
After a disappointing 2017 season, the Galaxy opted for a clean slate in 2018 with 13 declined player options. Currently, LA does not have a center forward on the team like Aguirre, with a mix of attackers that perform better out wide. There have been rumors on Gyasi Zardes’ potential exit from the club, and Aguirre may be his replacement on the roster.
This will not be the Galaxy’s first move this offseason, after acquiring GK David Bingham and MF Perry Kitchen. With the potential signing of Aguirre, coach Sigi Schmid will have the opportunity to turn the Galaxy’s form around.