As the 2024 season approaches, the Los Angeles Galaxy, still hurting from the departures of key players such as Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández and Douglas Costa, has launched an aggressive transfer campaign. With two Designated Player slots open, the club reportedly made an initial proposal of $10 million for Pablo Solari, a forward from River Plate, according to journalist César Luis Merlo. However, reports from Argentina indicate that the ‘Millionaires’ have rejected the offer in favor of a larger payout from the American franchise.
River Plate has no desire to sell one of their rising stars, especially since Solari’s release clause is a whopping $20 million. River paid somewhat more than $4 million for 60% of Solari’s rights from Chilean club Colo Colo. Solari has thrived this season under Martn Demichelis, scoring 12 goals and giving 11 assists in 47 games. At only 22 years old and under contract until 2026, the winger has plenty of room for development and could attract interest from European clubs in the future.
Solari’s skill to manage the byline has won him notice in Argentina. Although he is not a definite starter at River, Demichelis has given him significant playing time, depending on his exceptional one-on-one dribbling abilities, with a 42% success rate and 39% duels won per game. His outstanding accomplishments have won him a position on Argentina’s forthcoming 2024 Pre-Olympic squad, which will compete in Venezuela.
The Los Angeles Galaxy is on a quest to resurrect a project that fell short of expectations. Following the high-profile but underwhelming signings of ‘Chicharito’ and Douglas Costa, established veterans in the elite realm, the club’s management has chosen a different path, now betting on young talents poised to excel in the MLS and potentially yield profitable returns upon moving to Europe. The Galaxy reportedly turned down a record-breaking deal in MLS history for the services of Argentine Ramón Sosa, who was the first notable name linked. This is a clear shift in the Galaxy’s rebuilding plan toward young talent.