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Will Riqui Puig play next season with the LA Galaxy?

By Aiden Ramirez

Los Angeles Galaxy v Los Angeles Football Club
Los Angeles Galaxy v Los Angeles Football Club / Shaun Clark/GettyImages
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The 2023 Major League Soccer season ended on a sour note for the LA Galaxy, as they suffered a painful 4-1 defeat at home to FC Dallas. This marks the conclusion of one of the franchise's worst years in history, finishing second to last in the Western Conference with 36 points after 34 games. Their record stands at eight wins, 12 draws, and 14 losses.

Despite being the team with the most titles in the league, the LA Galaxy had a shot at making the playoffs. However, their hopes were dashed when Riqui Puig sustained an injury during the final stretch of the season. The 24-year-old Spaniard missed four consecutive games, during which the LA Galaxy managed only two draws and suffered two defeats. Puig did make a return for the last game of the season, but his efforts were insufficient to salvage the season, leaving him with time to contemplate his future.

Now, the focus shifts to planning for the squad's future in the upcoming season, with Riqui Puig being the standout figure. The 24-year-old player had expressed a few months ago his desire to be part of a team that competes for titles, something the Galaxy has not achieved since their MLS Cup win in 2014.

Puig's intention is to remain with the Galaxy

The player previously mentioned that if their objectives were not met in 2023, he would sit down with the management to discuss the franchise's plans for the next campaign. In the year and a half he has been in MLS, Puig has established himself as one of the league's premier players, generating interest from overseas teams according to some reports.

Puig has found contentment in Los Angeles and aims to make his mark in the league. His future with the Galaxy hinges on the upcoming discussions with the management in early 2024, as well as how the team is shaped to reestablish itself as a competitive and respected franchise.

What's certain is that the Galaxy, with the most titles in the league, is intent on building a team around Riqui Puig. The success of the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2024 will largely depend on Puig's on-field performance. In the previous season, Puig contributed 11 of the team's 51 goals. The 24-year-old midfielder has a contract with the Galaxy until 2025 and is valued at $12 million, as per Transfermarkt.