The Los Angeles team isn’t resting on its laurels and has decided to shake up Major League Soccer to its very foundations. Just 24 hours after shaking up the market with the signing of Mexican Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, the LA Galaxy dropped another bombshell: legendary Spanish midfielder Sergi Roberto is their newest player.
In a desperate but highly ambitious attempt to emerge from its sporting slump, the California-based team signed the 34-year-old former FC Barcelona captain to a two-year contract that ties him to the club through 2028, including an option to extend it through the 2028–29 season.
From Serie A to Building a ‘Dream Team’ in Los Angeles
Sergi Roberto is making the move across the pond after two successful seasons with Como in Italy’s Serie A, where, under the guidance of his former teammate Cesc Fàbregas, he was instrumental in helping the modest club achieve a historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Now, the Spaniard arrives to bolster a truly star-studded midfield in Los Angeles. Roberto will share the locker room with German legend Marco Reus and will be reunited with another familiar face from the Barcelona lineup: Riqui Puig, who is preparing to return to the field in 2027 after missing two full seasons due to injury.
“Sergi brings a combination of leadership, technical quality, tactical intelligence, and championship experience that few players possess. He has been a key member of some of the best teams of his generation,” said Will Kuntz, the Galaxy’s general manager, highlighting the Catalan’s invaluable versatility.
A Natural Winner to Turn the Team Around
Sergi Roberto’s pedigree as he arrives in MLS is undeniable. During his 18-year career at Barcelona (which concluded in 2024), the midfielder was a key player alongside Lionel Messi’s golden generation, appearing in 373 matches, scoring 19 goals, and recording 43 assists. His trophy case boasts 25 titles, including seven LaLiga championships and two Champions League titles. In addition, he represented the Spanish national team on 11 occasions during an era dominated by giants like Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets.
The task ahead for Sergi, Reus, and Lozano will be anything but easy. After winning its historic sixth MLS Cup title in 2024, the LA Galaxy has fallen into a steep decline. The team has won just 12 of its last 53 league matches and is currently languishing in 12th place in the Western Conference in yet another disappointing season.
With this wave of high-profile signings, the LA Galaxy is sending a strong warning to the rest of the league: management is willing to do whatever it takes to rebuild the roster and ensure that 2027 marks the rebirth of the Los Angeles giant.
