It was a busy secondary transfer window for the LA Galaxy, bringing in six new players to the first team as the six-time MLS Cup champions look to make a big run into the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The club made signings in the defense, midfield, and attack, with emphasis on experience. Forwards Robert Taylor and Kyōgo Furuhashi, midfielders Pablo Ruiz and Sergi Roberto, and defender Lucas Calegari all signed permanent transfer deals with the club while forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano joined on loan as a Designated Player for the remainder of the season.
“We definitely put a priority on experience, making sure we were bringing in guys who were a little bit older, a little bit seasoned because we think they will integrate into the group better,” LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz said. “We’ve got to make a push down the stretch here in the final games of the season, and having guys who have been in the trenches before is definitely going to help.”
With eight regular season games left, the Galaxy have a short runway to get results, but the team feels confident that they can gel.
“Because each of these players has experience, has a high level of just field and game awareness, nuance, different things, I feel like that gives you the best chance to try to get this thing rolling as quickly as possible,” Head Coach Greg Vanney said. “Otherwise, you want more time, but at the end of the day, I think these guys will quickly find that rhythm with one another.”
Lucas Calegari, defender #2
Calegari returns to the Galaxy where he spent the 2023 season on loan from Brazilian side Fluminense FC. His strong season won him the 2023 Defender of the Year award with the club, though his season ended with an injury. His return to LA on a permanent deal will give the Galaxy a familiar face with more experience after a spell in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Sergi Roberto, midfielder #6
Roberto, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner and captain with FC Barcelona, is one of those players with deep experience. Playing most recently in Italy with Como 1907, Roberto comes from playing at the highest levels of the sport and has already looked comfortable slotting into the Galaxy midfield in his first few games for the club.
“I have been following the league for many years; when I was at Barça, one of my goals was to reach this league because I have always liked the sports culture here in the United States, and I have always wanted to come,” Roberto said after the Galaxy’s 2-1 win over the New England Revolution on September 5. “I am very happy to be able to be here too. And besides, at the most historic club in the league, which is the Galaxy, so it couldn't be better.”
Kyōgo Furuhashi, forward #7
The Japanese striker spent last season with EFL Championship side Birmingham City in England. His most prominent run of form came with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership where he scored 85 goals in 165 games and won the league’s player of the year with a 34-goal season in all competitions in 2022/23. Since joining the Galaxy, Furuhashi has looked a lively striker, showcasing his speed and agility in the attack as he looks to get settled in with his new team.
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, forward #11
Signing as a Designated Player from San Diego FC on loan, Lozano’s arrival was a marquee moment of the window for the Galaxy. The Mexican international has hit the ground running, showcasing his speed and attacking ability that fans have seen on the global stage. Lozano scored his first goal for the club against San Diego and has found good productivity on the wing alongside his new teammates with two goal contributions in his first three starts.
Pablo Ruiz, midfielder #17
Ruiz brings long-time MLS experience having played 162 times for Real Salt Lake over more than eight seasons with the Western Conference side. The Argentinian earned his first start in Vancouver and will be a strong piece to help the Galaxy in the center of the pitch as the team pushes for the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Robert Taylor, forward #21
The first signing of the window for the Galaxy, Taylor has been a key addition in the wide attack for the Galaxy. The former Austin FC and Inter Miami forward scored his first goal for the Galaxy in the club's win against the Revolution and has shown some flashy skills running down the wing. The Finnish international has swiftly fit in.
