The LA Galaxy's off-field priorities include new contracts for Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez, whose pacts expire at the end of the year, and filling the third Designated Player slot.
Might they accomplish them in tandem? Perhaps so.
Sports Illustrated reported this week that the Galaxy were looking to bring back Gonzalez – MLS' Defender of the Year in 2011, Rookie of the Year in 2009, two-time Best XI selection and last year's MLS Cup MVP – by upgrading him to a DP.
Gonzalez was asked about it following LA's International Champions Cup loss Wednesday night to AC Milan in suburban Miami.
“I'd rather not talk about it,” said Gonzalez, who has reportedly attracted interest from English Premier League side Stoke City. “There's a lot of different things going on, and who knows what will happen in the next week or the next month.”
Head coach Bruce Arena rarely speaks about potential maneuvers.
“I don't comment on any of that until those things are reality,” he said when asked about the possibility after the Milan defeat. “We have not made any decisions. Nothing has happened at this point, but we would like to keep Omar with the Galaxy.”
LA have had an open DP slot since David Beckham departed after last year's title win, and attention has turned, according to multiple media reports, from Frank Lampard to Kaká to Andrey Arshavin to Giovani dos Santos to Anderson, with Ronaldinho's and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández's names popping up, too.
Gonzalez has played an enormous role in the Galaxy's back-to-back championships, and he's ignited an international career this year with a starting role for the US national team. He must decide whether it's better for him to stay in MLS or test himself in Europe or Mexico.
Donovan, in his ninth season with the Galaxy, last week said he wasn't sure what was in his future, and he reiterated that Wednesday night.
“I'm open to anything,” he said when asked about 2014. “I want to keep on enjoying myself, keep trying to play well, and we'll see what happens.”
Donovan likely would have options in Europe – he's a fan favorite at English Premier League sude Everton after two successful loan stints – or he might look to negotiate a new contract with LA that's somewhat in line with what Clint Dempsey is receiving in Seattle.
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“Landon will have options and will have to make decisions as well,” Arena said.
But he's receptive to a Galaxy offer, right?
“Sure,” Arena replied. “I would think he's receptive.”
