Why the biggest signings for the LA Galaxy already happened last year

Big cleats to fill for pair of Los Angeles Galaxy stars, Gabriel Pec & Joseph Paintsil

LA Galaxy v New York Red Bulls: Final - MLS Cup 2024
LA Galaxy v New York Red Bulls: Final - MLS Cup 2024 | Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/GettyImages
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And then there were two!

Last year, the Los Angeles Galaxy saw one of the more magical and historic seasons during the entire existence. The franchise turned it around drastically following an eight-win campaign in 2023.

General manager Will Kuntz was aggressive in the offseason last winter. He brought in a pair of international stars who shined as newcomers in Major League Soccer.

At that point, the team had not won league championship since 2014. The additions of Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil helped change that.

"It's really an amazing thing that the four of us have 10-plus goals. It will also give us the confidence to do extra more and to also write our name in the history book of LA Galaxy at the end of the season."
Joseph Paintsil, LA Galaxy forward

Paintsil was acquired mid-February from Belgian Pro League side K.R.C. Genk. As a designated player, he was then able to sign a four-year deal through 2027.

In the month prior, Pec became a member of the LA Galaxy similarly to how Paintsil did. However, his deal is valid through the 2028 on the heels of his departure from Vasco de Gama.

Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig were two of the holdovers from the 2023 roster. Along with Pec and Paintsil, the quartet forged the Los Angeles Galaxy into one of the fiercest offenses in the league.

These four LA Galaxy players made history when they each scored at least ten goals during the same season. Not only did the eventual MLS Western Conference champions scored 69 goals during the regular season, but they also scored a record 18 times during the postseason.