Analyzing potential replacements for Dejan Joveljic at the LA Galaxy
A look at strikers that could fill the void left by the Serbian forward
Scoring goals is the most important and valuable skill in soccer. The LA Galaxy’s striker situation is now on the top of the priority list following the trade that sends Dejan Joveljić to Sporting Kansas City for $4,000,000 - the first cash-for-player trade in MLS history.
The Serbian joined the LA Galaxy in Aug. 2021 from Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany. Joveljić ranks tied for ninth all-time in Galaxy history with 36 goals scored in 106 MLS Regular Season games played. He was a clutch player during the LA Galaxy’s 2024 MLS Cup victory. His four game-winning goal contributions (One being the game-winning goal in the MLS Cup final) during the 2024 postseason is tied for the most game-winning goal contributions in a single postseason in MLS history.
The LA Galaxy front office now has to find the successor for the LA Galaxy legend with the season set to begin in less than month. Here is a look at a couple potential and realistic options that could fill the void left by Joveljić for the upcoming campaign.
Note: These players would be acquired via the U22 Inictiave. This allows for unlimited transfer fees for players 22 or younger during the 2025 season.
Renzo Machado
The 19-year-old Uruguayan striker is my personal top target for the LA Galaxy. He currently plays for Liverpool FC de Montevideo in the Uruguayan top flight. He recorded eight goals and five assists in 33 matches played across the Apertura and Clausura in 2024. According to Transfermrkt.com, his transfer value is at €1.20m.
When looking at some highlights, what stands out about the Uruguayan is his excellent movement in between center backs to attack open space - most notably in transition moments.
With wingers like Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, the Galaxy tend to excel in transition moments when games open. Machado would be an excellent fit alongside them and provide sharp runs that are influential in finishing off counter attacks.
The 19-year-old has a swagger and confidence that you look for in strikers. He’s confident in penalty situations and know how to be that fox-in-the-box to get on the end of possessions.
There aren’t many advanced stats for the Uruguayan league but at excerpt from Total Football Analysis gives added insight to Machado’s efficiency in front of goal.
“Machado has averaged 2.22 shots per game in the league this season, which isn’t a very high number of shots but places him in quite an average position for shot volume among strikers in Uruguay’s top flight this year,” writes Fintan O'Reilly.
“Still, when the 18-year-old does get a shot off, it tends to be from a very valuable area, as his shot map indicates, highlighting a preference for quality over quantity in the department of attempts on goal,” adds O'Reilly.
At 19, there is still lots of room for Machado to develop into a more polished player and striker. The Galaxy will tend to run most of its offense through its wingers and in wide channels. This means Machado has to focus on making the right runs and be positioned in dangerous areas- which are the strongest parts of his game.
Jerónimo Dómina
Staying in South America, 19-year-old Dómina is one of the top prospects in the Argentine Primera Division. The striker has a $3.3 million market value according to Transfermrkt.com. The Union de Santa Fe player scored four goals in the 2024 season in 494 minutes of action. Dómina has been playing first division minutes since breaking out in 2023.
Dómina is a raw player who’s attraction to the ball and athleticism make him stand out when watching him. The Argentine has excellent pace and many times is making runs from wide areas into the box when he’s on the attack.
His 4.92 touches in the penalty on a per 90 basis was in the 91st percentile among strikers in Argentina according to FotMob.com. He just has a knack for having the ball in the final third and creating danger. He averaged 1.64 Shots on Target per 90 minutes - putting him in the 86th percentile among strikers in the Primera Division.
Now there is still work to do to make Dómina a lethal striker. The young Argentine’s shot selection is all over the place. Take a look at this shot map from the 2024 season.
As you can see, there is a lot of shots from outside the box. These shots have low xG numbers and tend to be shots with little value. Dómina has scored all his goals in the box and none from outside the penalty area.
The raw talent is present but his game needs a bit more maturity to be efficient. He would be quite the prospect to bring to the Galaxy - his ceiling is high and is a player the attack could be built around for years.
Erik Kojzek
This one is a wild card for two reason; Kojzek is currently injured with an ACL injury (expected to return in the summer) and there isn’t much of a sample size in first division play for the 19-year-old Slovenian. He’s a boom or bust type of player given his recent injury but Kojzek has been eye-popping this year.
Kojzek currently plays for Wolfsberger AC in the Austin Bundesliga - the same club where Joveljić broke out and got on the radar of the LA Galaxy. In 406 minutes played before his injury, Kojzek recorded five goals and one assist. He was making waves in Austria as he continued to be impactful despite not starting often for Wolfsberger.
His biggest strengths are hold up play, passing with his back to goal, and his tall frame and physicality make him a handful for defenders to contain. He’s been given the nickname “Mini Haaland” due to their similar play styles.
Kojzek’s shot map shows he lives in the penalty box and gets high xG looks. He’s going to fight with center backs to win duels and get a shot off in the box. The physicality of MLS is something that won’t come a shock or disruptive to his game.
If the Galaxy choose to wait to get a striker in the summer and sign an MLS veteran to start the season, I see Kojzek as a potential target for the Galaxy. While he will be coming off a major injury, he’s a player that could find a way to build back in LA. This is very much a wild card option like I mentioned- he was my favorite prospect from a non-top five league in Europe that could make a mark in MLS.
Excellent analysis!