Late transfer rumors have Zlatan Ibrahimovic heading to MLS and LA. Would he make sense as an addition for the LA Galaxy? How about Chicharito?
In a recent ESPN report, LA Galaxy officials wouldn’t commit to how far negotiations had progressed. Sigi Schmid would only say they recognize Ibrahimovic would definitely have a strong, positive impact the team seeks.
"Schmid: Guys like that have an impact on your team. Obviously, he’s been a successful player, he’s won trophies everywhere he’s been, but until it happens, I’m not going to worry about it."
Ibrahimovic seems happy with Manchester United and stays in negotiations for a new contract there. He could fit as a forward in any MLS formation that the LA Galaxy goes with, especially the 4-2-3-1 favored by both the Galaxy and Manchester United.
Despite being 35, he has such a strong pedigree and international brand that it’s easy to understand the case for why a club like the Galaxy would sign him.
But is there a better option?
Then there’s Javier Chicharito Hernandez. Writing last April, we noted that LAFC had talked with him as he prepared to move from the Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen. Instead of MLS, the 29-year-old striker landed at West Ham United, where he got the added playing time he craved.
In fact, he’s starting. Frequently he works from a complex 5-4-1 formation.
With Chicharito’s increased experience in formations, both MLS standards and complex, he could easily and quickly fit in. His experience across Europe and appeal landing at a club so close to home for him, place the Galaxy as a top contender for this next move.
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Nothing has changed since April to convince me that Chicharito’s contributions aren’t worth pursuing. In fact, the player himself stated he was hoping to be moved from West Ham during this past winter transfer window. If the LA Galaxy decides to give up, their neighbors should continue the chase. A strong, attractive deal with a loan-back option with their club in Europe would do it.
Zlatan is Zlatan, but Chicharito is the player that would help the Galaxy more – both now and in the years to come.