Olivier Giroud has verbally agreed to join LAFC on an 18-month contract, effective July 1st.
The World Cup winner will link up with Hugo Lloris this summer following the expiration of his contract with AC Milan on June 30th. Fabrizio Romano reported that LAFC expressed interest in Giroud in October and subsequently submitted a formal bid.
With a decorated career in Europe, Giroud has secured titles such as Ligue 1 with Montpellier and four FA Cups, three with Arsenal and one with Chelsea. Additionally, he boasts victories in the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea, as well as Serie A with AC Milan.
Following Euro 2024 in Germany, Giroud will join Los Angeles FC in the MLS, marking a significant signing for the club. LAFC has faced challenges this season, currently sitting 9th in the Western Conference after losing three MLS games, including a 3-2 defeat to the Colorado Rapids on March 30th.
The acquisition of Giroud promises to invigorate LAFC’s squad dynamics, potentially propelling them into contention for the MLS playoffs. His arrival will bring valuable attributes such as ball retention skills, adept link-up play, and an ability to create space for teammates through intelligent off-the-ball movement, benefiting players like Denis Bouanga.
Moreover, Giroud’s presence upfront will offer goalscoring prowess and physical strength, posing difficulties for opponents and presenting threats during set pieces. Furthermore, his winning mentality will contribute positively to the team’s culture.
LAFC’s signing of players like Giroud signifies a positive trend, as it opens the door for other high-caliber players nearing the end of their European careers to join the club. In the 2022 MLS season, LAFC secured the signings of Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini, culminating in an MLS Cup triumph.
This year, with the addition of Hugo Lloris and soon Giroud, LAFC aims to revive their winning mindset. Despite Giroud’s imminent arrival, improvements are still necessary following the departure of half the first-team squad last season.
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