Los Angeles Galaxy trade another midfielder ahead of season opener

When the Los Angeles Galaxy open up the regular season during Major League Soccer's 30th year on the field, another feature player from 2024 will not be there. The six-time MLS Cup champions have made yet another transaction this winter.

A year ago, General Manager Kuntz was wheeling and dealing. He brought in international players Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil. Goalkeeper John McCarthy was also brought in to replace Jonathan Bond.

Pec and Paintsil were a dominant pair of rookies in 2023 for the LA Galaxy. Their production on the field this year will hopeful soften the blow of playing wthout star midfielder Riqui Puig.

The Los Angeles Galaxy already shipped MLS Cup Finals MVP Gaston Brugman to Nashville SC for veteran midfielder Sean Davis. The team also used their first round selection in the Super Draft to take midfielder Jason Bucknor out of the University of Michigan.

Earlier in the week, Marky Delgado was traded to another Western Conference powerhouse in LAFC. In return, the Los Angeles Galaxy will receive $400,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). The amount is split evenly between 2025 and 2026.

The LA Galaxy still have German footballer Marco Reus and veteran Edwin Cerrillo on the roster at the midfield position, too. They will welcome Davis, Bucknor and other new additions during preseason camp.

Delgado appeared in 106 matches for the Galaxy while starting 94 of them. Along with Brugman, the 29-year-old midfielder recorded an assist in the MLS Cup Finals victory against the New York Red Bulls.

"We'd like to thank Mark for everything he has done on and off the field for our club. Mark has been a big part of our group over the last three seasons and played a huge role in helping the Galaxy to its sixth MLS Cup title. We wish Mark [and Nicky] all the best."

Will Kuntz, GM of the LA Galaxy

The Glendora, California native is set to be playing for his third LA-based team in the league. Delgado also previously played for Chivas USA, which is now defunct.

He also played for Toronto FC alongside Eriq Zavaleta and his uncle Greg Vanney. Vanney was the head coach during the 2017 MLS season when the trio won their first title together. The tandem won a second in early December.

In addition to losing Delgado, the Los Angeles Galaxy miss out on Brazilian midfielder Igor Jesus. He, too, will be joining LAFC this season.

The two teams will play each other at Dignity Health Sports Park on May 18. The Los Angeles Galaxy went a perfect 16 for 16 in games played their during the regular season last year. The rematch will take place two months later on July 19.