By DAN KARELL
The LA Galaxy addressed another one of their offseason needs on Thursday with the signing of Stefan Ishizaki.
The Galaxy announced that they have signed the Swedish midfielder pending a physical, the receipt of his international transfer certificate, and his P-1 visa. In the meantime, Ishizaki is already training with the Galaxy.
“Stefan is an excellent addition to our team,” LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said in a statement. “He is an experienced player, an exceptional passer and a proven winner.”
A right-sided midfielder, the 31-year-old Ishizaki helps improve a Galaxy midfield that was thin on the wings, especially with the departure of Hector Jimenez. Ishizaki spent the last eight years with Swedish Allsvenskan club Elfsborg, where he made more than 180 league appearances and more than 40 appearances in European competitions. Prior to Elfsborg, Ishizaki had stints at Italian club Genoa and Norwegian side Vålerenga.
Ishizaki became a professional in 1999 with AIK Stockholm, staying there until 2004. He also made 13 appearances for the Swedish national team, though most came during the winter breaks.
“I had an offer from MLS a couple years ago, but I still had a long contract with my old club, but once my agent told me that LA was interested, it was just an easy decision,” Ishizaki told LA Galaxy Insider. “I’m quite calm with the ball. I usually play on the right wing. I’ve had experience playing with the national team, in Italy and I think that I bring experience here to the Galaxy.”
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What do you think of this news? Think it’s a good signing? How does this affect Robbie Rogers? What kind of Impact will Ishizaki have this season?
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