LA Galaxy and Liga MX giants in transfer battle for €20m-rated Argentine starlet

Recent reports suggest that LA Galaxy and Liga MX giants have set their sights on an Argentine midfielder, currently playing for Racing Club in Argentina.

With the MLS club looking to strengthen its squad, Baltasar Rodriguez has emerged as a top target for the 2025 season.

The 21-year-old midfielder, highly regarded for his technical ability and tactical awareness, could soon find himself at the center of a bidding war between two major clubs: LA Galaxy and Mexico's Cruz Azul.

LA Galaxy and Liga MX giants in transfer battle for €20m-rated Argentine starlet

The interest from LA Galaxy comes at a crucial time for the club, as they finished second in the Western Conference in the 2024 MLS regular season, positioning themselves as one of the top teams in the league. Strengthening their midfield with a player like Rodriguez could give the Galaxy the boost they need to continue their upward trajectory.

According to El Crack Deportivo, LA Galaxy has already initiated contact with Racing Club regarding Rodriguez. However, they face stiff competition from Cruz Azul, a Mexican powerhouse that has already made one offer of $6 million for the young midfielder.

Racing Club, known for being a tough negotiator, rejected this initial bid, signaling that they value Rodriguez highly. Cruz Azul is now reportedly preparing a second offer, this time raising the stakes to $10 million.

Baltasar Rodriguez, valued at €4.50 million according to Transfermarkt, is seen as one of Racing Club's most promising talents. His versatility in the midfield, and ability to play both as a deep-lying playmaker and as a more advanced creative option, make him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to bolster their midfield options.

One major factor in the decision will be who leads Racing Club in 2025, with both Diego Milito and Victor Blanco being possible candidates to oversee the club's operations.

Whoever takes the reins will have to weigh the potential benefits of selling Rodriguez against keeping him to strengthen Racing’s squad. Furthermore, any transfer deal would need to account for Rodriguez's release clause, which is reportedly set at €20 million.