LA Galaxy close to signing Raul Mendiola to Home Grown contract

Top Drawer Soccer is reporting that the LA Galaxy are close to signing Raul Mendiola of the Galaxy Academy program to a Home Grown player contract. Mendiola has been a member of the U-18 squad for two years, after previously plying his trade with Arsenal FC of Temecula, CA.

Mendiola has 10 goals in 18 matches with the U-18 squad this season, and has featured on the Galaxy reserves as a wide midfield. The Galaxy are currently thin at the wide midfielder position, so this signing makes complete sense. Not to mention that Mendiola has already gotten attention from clubs overseas.

He's been on trial at Manchester City, as well as some clubs in La Liga. He's spent time training with Pachuca in Mexico City.

He'll be the sixth Galaxy player to sign a Home Grown contract, following in the footsteps of Jose Villarreal, Oscar Sorto, Jack McBean, Gyasi Zardes, and Tristan Bowen. Bowen is the only one no longer with the club. As a Home Grown player Mendiola won't count against the salary budget, but he will take up a roster spot.