Raheem Edwards traded to CF Montréal for General Allocation Money
The Galaxy sees another full back leave the club with Edwards traded to Montreal
The LA Galaxy has traded left back Raheem Edwards in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money. Edwards recorded three goals and 11 assists in 70 games played across all competitions in two seasons for the LA Galaxy.
“We’d like to thank Raheem for his dedication and contributions to the LA Galaxy over the past two seasons,” said LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz via press release. “While it is never easy to say goodbye to a player who has demonstrated such strong commitment to our club, the move allows Raheem to be closer to his family in Canada, while providing the roster flexibility that will help us in our effort to build a championship contending team for the 2024 campaign and beyond.”
During his time with the LA Galaxy, Edwards transitioned to left back full-time as he spent most of his career playing multiple positions. Offensively, Edwards could dribble with ease and his best moments came when he beat defenders in one-on-one scenarios. He entered the final third often which also meant he got caught out of position on multiple occasions.
His best defensive attribute was his recoveries and could make impressive tackles on occasion. Edwards struggled with consistency often and at best was just outside the top 10 left backs in MLS. With Edwards gone, the LA Galaxy cleared his base salary of $315,000.
The only left back on the roster is young Argentine Julian Aude. The Galaxy could look to get an MLS experienced full back to add depth to the position - similar to Kelvin Leerdam in the last two years. With a young player like Aude, the Galaxy can raise the bar of quality at that position. Keeping Edwards as the starter doesn’t raise the ceiling much for the Galaxy - Aude could raise it if he takes that next big step in his development.
Full back will be an area of the pitch the Galaxy will bolster this winter. Rumors of LA going after right back Miki Yamane means the club is already active in improving the backline.