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Reports have emerged this week that the LA Galaxy are trying to sign Argentine defender Alan Franco.
Argentine-based reporter Cesar Luis Merlo first broke the news.
Llegó una oferta formal de Los Ángeles Galaxy por Alan Franco de u$s 2.200.000 por la mitad del pase.
— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) February 12, 2020
*️⃣La dirigencia de Independiente la consideró insuficiente.
*️⃣Si la mejoran, el defensor puede llegar a… https://t.co/95w8O4ZOO0
Franco, 23, has played his entire career to date at Argentine outfit Independiente, with whom he won the 2017 Copa Sudamericana, alongside Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco. He has a single senior cap with the Argentina national team, in 2018.
A center back, it’s no secret the Galaxy have been looking to bolster that position this offseason. At present, Daniel Steres and Giancarlo Gonzalez are penciled in as center back starters, with Nick DePuy as depth, but LA could use both a new starter and more depth at the position.
Reports out of Argentina indicate the Galaxy have made an offer for $3 million plus incentives for Franco, with Franco asking to leave, while Independiente’s manager is looking to hold off the suitor.
Update ... Independiente’s coach expressed opposition to the deal. Terms changed and is not done yet... Club looking to tie #LAGalaxy to buy the other 50% of rights in a year. Official offer today US$3 millons plus incentives. Player asked to be accepted @jguesman @GalaxyPodcast https://t.co/XoO3FFWfSj
— John E. Rojas (@jrojasa75) February 14, 2020
Will this deal come together? That’s the big question. There’s enough reports circulating that the interest appears to be legit, but getting the deal done is a different story. South American teams are dependent on transfer funds to keep their clubs afloat, by and large, and they drive a hard bargain. The Galaxy’s initial targets at the position this offseason have been rebuffed, but there are promising signs this could be done, with Corner of the Galaxy optimistic this will get done.
If there are updates on this story, we’ll let you know. Wait and see.
What do you think? Will this help shore up LA’s title credentials? Do you need to wait and see on a newcomer? Let’s chat about it in the comments below!