Rumor: LA Galaxy interested in Javier Pastore

Here’s a new transfer rumor for you: The LA Galaxy have been linked to Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore in recent days.

The 30-year-old has been at AS Roma since 2018, but the Italian club is said to be willing to let him go, according to reports from TNT Sports and AS, citing Sky Sports.

The original report claims Guillermo Barros Schelotto is looking to bolster his squad, and with Cristian Pavon’s future with the club uncertain considering he currently remains on loan, a new playmaker could be on the shopping list.

Pastore was a phenom when he came to Europe in 2009, signing with Italian club Palermo after featuring for smaller Argentine clubs Talleres and Huracán. Pastore became one of the most promising young playmakers around when Paris Saint-Germain swooped with a big offer in 2011, Pastore being the first “big” star for the new superclub to build around.

But Pastore’s run with PSG was decidedly mixed, the playmaker seeming not to fit with his teammates in terms of style of play for much of his run and injuries sidelining him. He did win five Ligue 1 titles and seven domestic cups in France, but it’s safe to say his star did not rise to make him among the best players in the world like many expected.

I think in some ways at the right price Pastore would be a worthy risk, in other ways less so. The injury history, as a player nicknamed “skinny” and who always looks literally lightweight, is a concern, as is his reputation as a languid player in an era where high-tempo is the general standard. But maybe he needs to find his level, and maybe he can dominate in MLS. He wouldn’t be the first player to see a revival stateside.

The reports claim both Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders are interested in Pastore, too. I think the Inter Miami link makes some sense, since the club still hasn’t bought a big name star for their inaugural season. I think the Galaxy make far more sense than the Sounders, however, between Schelotto’s shared Argentine roots and his style of play being among the slowest in MLS right now.

So, the big question: Is this plausible? Maybe. Pastore could probably use a change of scenery and I doubt Roma are desperate to hold onto him. I think he could fill a role on the Galaxy’s roster, too, and again, if the price was right it could be a worthwhile risk. Pastore won’t bring any box office appeal, he’s a deep cut among even regular UEFA Champions League watchers, but it could be interesting.

At the same time, the Galaxy have also been linked to James Rodriguez and Gonzalo Higuain, too, in recent months. Obviously they can’t sign them all under the current rules, maybe they can’t sign any of them, but we’ll keep an eye on all the Galaxy transfer rumors and let you know if any of these seem to have legs.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.