Los Angeles – The transfer shockers continue to happen in Los Angeles, and this time, it involves both the city’s teams. A deal that sees the LA Galaxy trade Midfielder Mark Delgado to rival LAFC was struck by the reigning champions.
The midfielder’s departure comes just over a month after he played a starring role in MLS Cup, setting up the Galaxy’s second goal, which would prove to be the winner in the 2-1 match over the New York Red Bulls.
Just three days later, the Galaxy announced they’d exercised Delgado’s contract option for 2025. The decision to bring back the 29-year-old on a one-year extension seemed to signal that Delgado had survived the Galaxy’s salary cap cull.
However, with the league’s financial constraints necessitating further salary dumps by LA, Delgado found himself an unfortunate casualty.
Delgado will now be the third player to suit up for both Los Angeles teams, but the first to go from the Galaxy to LAFC. Indeed, it is a full-circle moment for Delgado, who started his career with Chivas USA, and now will return to the franchise born out of their demise.
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The Galaxy got an offer too good to refuse, it seems.
Delgado was on an expiring contract, with his option year terminating at the end of 2025. Rather than lose him as a free agent at season’s end, the Galaxy decided to reach a deal with their neighbors.
The deal sees the Galaxy receive $400,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), split over two years. By moving Delgado, the G’s also take his $876,250 salary off their books.
It should give LA more flexibility as they look to reinforce themselves for their MLS Cup defense.
Why Did the LA Galaxy Trade Delgado?
It’s no secret that the Galaxy have been working hard to stay under the league-mandated salary cap.
During this window alone, they’ve been forced to move on from MLS Cup MVP Gaston Brugman and homegrown defender Jalen Neal. LA also declined to bring back veteran Defender Martin Cáceres at the beginning of the transfer window.
In Delgado’s case, the Galaxy chose to get something for his expiring contract. The alternative was Delgado not re-signing with LA in free agency and then the Galaxy not getting anything for the player currently valued at $2 Million on Transfermarkt.us.
How Does This LA Galaxy Trade Affect the MLS Champions?
It’s an incredible loss for Galaxy head Coach Greg Vanney and the current champs.
On several occasions during LA’s title-winning season, the Galaxy boss singled Delgado out for praise, calling him, “the great balancer.” Not only did he produce in the biggest moments like MLS Cup, but he was among the G’s most consistent and hard-working performers.
Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz acknowledged the workman-like grind of Delgado’s game and his engine by saying that he had, “three lungs.”
Despite Delgado being tasked with holding down the midfield alongside Edwin Cerrillo, the Glendora, CA native chipped in with a goal and seven assists across 32 matches played in all competitions.
Vanney will not easily replace Delgado’s experience, leadership, and understanding of his tactical vision. What makes the LA Galaxy trade even more unpalatable is the fact he is going to a direct rival.
It also leaves the Galaxy with only four midfielders, at least until the injured Riqui Puig makes his return. At present, LA has Cerrillo, Sean Davis, Diego Fagundez, and Marco Reus on the books.
While they are expected to complete the signing of Nacional’s Lucas Sanabria, the feeling is that the middle of the pitch is shorthanded for the Galaxy.
For Delgado, the LA Galaxy trade that sees him move across the city will keep him in Los Angeles. It should add another compelling storyline to El Tráfico when the two teams meet on May 18 at the home of the champions.