The Los Angeles Galaxy are nearing a pair of big moves as 2018 nears its end.
The Galaxy have signed star forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic to a new contract, while Caleb Porter is in negotiations to become their head coach, the LA Times reported on Tuesday.
Ibrahimovic scored 22 goals and registered 10 assists in his debut MLS season in 2018, and is expected to become one of the Galaxy’s Designated Players. The Swedish international was already under contract for 2019, but expected a new deal after only earning $1.5 million. He was even linked to a return to AC Milan, but that was eventually shot down.
With Ibrahimovic set to take a DP spot, the Galaxy will have to move one of their three current Designated Players; Giovani dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, or Romain Alessandrini out of the club before the start of the 2019 campaign.
Meanwhile, Porter is looking to return to the MLS sidelines after sitting out the 2018 season after leaving the Portland Timbers following the 2017 campaign.
He would fill the void left open by will take over for Sigi Schmid, who left the club in September. Dominic Kinnear held the interim head coaching position for the final two months of 2018, but now appears unlikely to be in the running to keep the job full-time, even despite reportedly having the backing of Ibrahimovic.
Porter led the Timbers to an MLS Cup in 2015 and three playoff appearances during his time in Portland.
He was lazy at Spurs too. He’s talented but only brings his ‘A’ game when he’s motivated, .e.g, Mexico – USA
I pray to sweet baby Jesus that LA gets rid of Gio. What an utter disaster that DP has been, and a total waste of money. I forget if his jersey sales were in the top 10 for MLS, but his production on the field (when he was on it) was appalling.
offer him the 1.6 mil non DP max that Zlatan. Otherwise, hopefully they can sell gio to tijuana. I doubt LAFC will take him.
Porter is big on accountability and expectations especially from core players. I’m sure he has a plan and did not just get offered this job without mapping out what is needed. His staff hires and most of all his assistant coach will be critical. Although with his system a quality veteran centerback, two box to box defense midfielders, and creative number 8 or false 9 are critical for how he wants to play. Zlatan, will be a focal point with lots of touches. Porter will raises some eyebrows with his passion, intensity, and commentary in LA.