David Beckham might not be returning to LA Galaxy for the 2013 season, but another big part of their back-to-back championship-winning teams is.
Juninho has signed a multi-year deal with the Galaxy on Wednesday, ending any lingering speculation to where his future lied. The 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder had played for the Galaxy during the last three seasons on loan from Sao Paulo, but has now completed a full transfer that will keep him in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future.
Since joining the Galaxy in 2010, Juninho has played in 87 regular season games. He has scored 13 goals and had eight assists while helping LA win consecutive MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012.
What do you think of the Galaxy acquiring Juninho via a full transfer? Expecting him to continue to be a staple for the club for many years to come?
Share your thoughts below.
I’m sorry to hear he never found his feet back home, but as a Galaxy fan I’m ecstatic to have him for keeps.
Hurray for us. Three-peat? Call me maybe.
They still have some work to do. Lampard would be a nice replacement for Beckham, but they will still miss his crossing. They are also lacking a starting winger.
this is obviously a huge deal for the Galaxy as any knowledgeable soccer fan would know. way to go Juninho and we are lucky to get to watch this gifted player in MLS for a few more years to come.
When a player is on loan to an MLS team, who pays his salary, and how does it count against the salary cap?
Who pays what is part of the terms of the loan, and they often differ. I’d guess that any portion paid by the MLS team would count as part of the cap, but not any portion paid by the owning team.
NICE, this dude is good, good for mls
Does this make him a DP or what? I was under the impression that any transfer fees paid would have to be accounted for under the cap somehow.
Good for the Galaxy. In a way I feel bad for Juninho. It sounded like he had his heart set on playing for Sao Paulo.
His heart has been with this champion side. LA has locked up a positive, team player. Good move.
Sao Paulo had no room even in the reserve squad for Juninho… Good deal for LA.
Last year he actually returned to the first team for Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo WANTED him back from LA. Upon his return Juninho had a fallout with the coach and LA was able to get him back. Regardless, thanks for your insight.
Had a feeling this was coming. Great news now that it’s official! Am I the only one wondering about the transfer details? SPFC must have offered LA a really sweet deal.
Did the Galaxy have to pay a transfer fee or was this a free transfer??? Just curious. Nonetheless, this is huge news for them. Juninho fits their plans perfectly ans he’s just the type of player that gives freedom to their attack.
I have the same question, and the same feelings about the news. Anybody know if there was a fee?
Awesome for LA and for him. I like him. Of course my wife’s from Brazil and Sao Paulo is her father’s team, but I digress.
this, and the keane signing, is all so very hardcore