Report: Calegari set to depart the LA Galaxy
The Brazilian fullback will return to Fluminense after one season with the Galaxy
According to multiple sources, right back Calegari will not return to the LA Galaxy next season. He is on loan from recent Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense and the LA Galaxy did not trigger his option to buy that is in his loan deal. The 21-year-old defender sustained a torn ACL during the Galaxy’s clash with the Houston Dynamo on Sept. 2.
Calegari was voted the LA Galaxy’s Defender of the Year during the 2023 MLS season. He appeared in 22 games and recorded one assist in MLS regular season play. He confirmed his exit via social media on Instagram on Thursday afternoon
The Brazilian underwent successful ACL surgery in September and recovery from such a harsh injury can last around 10 to 12 months. If he had stayed with the LA Galaxy for the 2024 season, he likely would’ve made his first appearance after the midway point of the season.
Head Coach Greg Vanney emphasized that he wants his team ready as soon as possible to build chemistry during the preseason. There is pressure for this upcoming campaign to be good results-wise following a 13th place finish in the Western Confrence.
The Galaxy will free a U22 roster spot which allows for higher transfer fees to be spent on players under the age of 22. The other players on this contract are Julian Aude and Dejan Joveljic.
Mauricio Cuevas is currently the only right back guaranteed to be back for the 2024 campaign. Kelvin Leerdam is out of contract and LA is yet to announce if they will trigger his option to bring him back next season.