MLS Free Agency Guide: Who fits the LA Galaxy's Needs
Who are some realistic options in MLS Free Agency that could help LA in 2026
The MLS offseason has begun with MLS Free Agency now open. The LA Galaxy is preparing for the Concacaf Champions Cup and aiming to return to the top of MLS after a disappointing 2025 season.
The Galaxy will face Sporting San Miguelito of Panama in the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup to start up the 2026 campaign. With this early start to the season, LA will have to be working early to assemble its roster and begin training camp.
I’ll be examining realistic options and under-the-radar players in the free agency market, considering LA’s current cap situation and who could fit into Head Coach Greg Vanney’s style of play.
Important Notes:
The Galaxy remains in conversation with Diego Fagúndez about returning in 2026.
LA continues its discussions with Botafogo to retain Matheus Nascimento for the 2026 season
The LA Galaxy does not have a Designated Player (DP) spot available
Team Needs
Center Back
The primary issue with the center back position is the lack of a succession plan. Emiro Garces is the future of the position, but his defensive partner is still a major question.
Maya Yoshida and Zanka looked like they couldn’t keep up at times, and Yoshida took a visible step back in quality (2026 is the last season of their current contracts). Chris Rindov was signed toward the end of the 2025 season, but it’s still not 100% certain that he can be a reliable MLS center back.
LA conceded 66 goals last season, one goal off tying the record for most goals allowed in a season (2017, 2023). LA could look to get an in-prime player to pair with Garces (who showed some growing pains last season) or maybe a prospect that could grow with the Colombian Center back
Goalkeeper
The departure of John McCarthy at the transfer deadline made it official that the Galaxy was looking for a new man in between the sticks. Novak Micovic got the longest run of games in his Galaxy career in 2025, and former Earthquakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made his return to the pitch after suffering a horrific injury.
Micovic’s play last season wasn’t convincing with some questionable decision-making, but he did make some quality saves in games. It wouldn’t be a surprise for LA to look at options in the market to retool the defense.
Striker
The LA Galaxy was missing that killer instinct from its strikers all season long. Christian Ramirez faded as the season went on and is under contract for next season. Matheus Nascimento showed some bright moments, but there is still a question of how he will mesh with Puig and if LA will invest its last U22 spot on him or look elsewhere.
Maxime Crépeau (GK)
Adding to the goalkeeper room is a strong possibility for the LA Galaxy. Crépeau is a veteran goalkeeper who has gained valuable experience in MLS during his stints with the Whitecaps, LAFC, and Timbers.
The Canadian has struggled to reach the elite level he used to play at prior to his severe leg fracture in MLS Cup in 2022. But moving back to LA could help bring him back to his best. As mentioned earlier, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Galaxy to bring in another goalkeeper or make some movement in this position.
Henry Kessler (CB)
At 27 years old, Kessler is a player in his prime for a center back. If he can’t reach a deal with St. Louis City SC, Kessler will be a hot commodity in the market.
Kessler is capable of playing with the ball at his feet and was one of the better performers on City last season. He finished last season in the 96th percentile for shots blocked (1.38) and 93rd percentile in clearances on a per 90 basis according to FBRef.com (6.81).
If LA has the space and he’s on the market, he should be the club’s top target this offseason. He is a player for now and the future if he joins the Galaxy backline.
Lukas MacNaughton (CB)
The major weakness of the Galaxy backline is aerial dominance. Yoshida has provided that, at times, while Garces has struggled to be a true force in the air. It wouldn’t be surprising for the LA Galaxy to target a player who can provide an impact in this phase of the game.
According to FBRef.com, MacNaughton was in the 96th percentile for Aerial Duels Won and (3.27) last season with D.C. United. He’s struggled to stay healthy the last few seasons, but don’t expect him to play a starting role if he were to join the LA Galaxy.
His role would primarily be being a guy to bring on the pitch to protect the lead and defend crosses into the box. At 30 years old, he would bring another veteran voice to the backline in a season with potentialy more than 40 games played.
Mikael Uhre (Striker)
The Danish striker is one of the most interesting names on the free agent market. He’s been a consistent goal scorer with the Philadelphia Union, scoring double-digit goals in each campaign except for last season.
With the arrivals of Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski in 2025, plus the emergence of Tai Baribo, Uhre is the odd one out in the striker room for the Union.
Uhre is a fast and strong striker, but his finishing can be streaky. The Union doesn’t typically like to play with the ball, so potentially playing LA’s wingers and chance creators could help reach his potential as a top striker in MLS.
At 31, he would be a win-now type of move and approach if the LA Galaxy were to approach. Not to mention, he would have to take a pay cut, as he had been a DP for the Union for the past three years.
Christian Benteke (Striker)
Acquiring the former MLS Golden Boot winner is the dream scenario for the Galaxy. His ability to win his duels in the air provides a dimension LA hasn’t had since the days of Zlatan Ibrahimović.
The question is whether he would take a pay cut to play on a non-DP deal. With players like Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil, Marco Reus, and Riqui Puig returning, it's tempting for Benteke to join a good team on a bit of a discount after spending years at underwhelming DC United.
Other Options
Gaston Brugman (Midfield)
Bringing back the 2024 MLS Cup MVP would be a significant morale boost for the group. The Uruguayan midfielder was a favorite in the locker room and a highly respected figure. He adds depth to the midfield and is still capable of breaking lines with his passes.
Sebastian Lleget (Midfield)
A potential return of Lleget is a floor raiser. The Galaxy midfield is full of players who are expected to take a step forward compared to last season. Don’t expect him to be a starter or key player, but rather a depth piece and someone to help grow the locker room culture.
Fafa Picault (Wide Midfielder)
The depth on the wings is one of the under-the-radar needs for LA. Mauricio Cuevas and Harbor Miller can play there, but Vanney wants them to primarily be fullbacks.
Picault is an MLS veteran and still has the speed to add some verticality. His role with Inter Miami diminished as the season went on, but he can still bring something valuable off the bench if needed.