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Romain Alessandrini Joins LA Galaxy: Other Than Injury Concerns, Just What Galaxy Need

Editorial (February 2, 2017) – The rumors finally came to fruition. French winger Romain Alessandrini joins LA Galaxy on a Designated Player contract. Alessandrini comes from his hometown club Olympique de Marseille and is just 27-years-old. Other than some potential injury concerns, this is a great signing for the Galaxy.

Romain Alessandrini Joins LA Galaxy: Other Than Injury Concerns, Just What Galaxy Need

The Galaxy took care of their central midfield last month, but the wings still needed some upgrades. Especially with two DP slots still open. With the club moving in a new direction this off-season (younger, less aging overpaid Europeans), the Galaxy were looking for an economical DP. A reasonably priced DP and a wide offensive threat: Enter Romain Alessandrini.

He’s a natural winger. At 27-years-old, he’s in his prime. He’s got a great shot with his left foot from range. He plays mostly on the left but can also play on the right.

In terms of position, age, and style of play, this is exactly what the Galaxy needed.

There are some concerns however. He’s had some foot injury concerns over the past two years. He also hasn’t played that much for Marseille that much of late. Some of that is injury related, some of it is drama related between him and the coaching staff.

The other question mark here is the finances. The transfer fee and details of his contract have not been released. It’s been reported the Galaxy paid a $1.75 million transfer fee to acquire him. That’s just a bit more than what they paid Jaoa Pedro’s club to get him. Not bad.

His reported salary at Marseille was just under $2 million. When you think about the under-the-radar DP moves that have worked out, that’s about right. Diego Valeri, Nicholas Lodeiro, and Ignacio Piatti weren’t internationally known when they came to MLS. They’re all superstars for their club. They all make less than $2 million.

Being a major player for the Galaxy, Alessandrini could have asked for a raise. He also could have taken a pay cut knowing his market value has gone down the past two years. Either way, as long as he’s around $2 million or less, it’s probably a reasonable deal. Given the Galaxy’s new philosophy, this probably isn’t a concern.

Alessandrini is not a sexy DP signing by Galaxy standards. He’s not an international superstar who is going to sell jerseys and sell tickets. It might be a good thing that the club (and the league) are trending away from that. If Alessandrini can be an effective and healthy player in 2017, he’ll contribute more than Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard did in 2016. That means the Galaxy will be winning which will sell tickets.

By position and style, the Galaxy filled their biggest roster hole. They probably spent wisely to acquire and sign him. He fits the system and the budget. As long as his foot injuries don’t return and he can adjust to the league, this is will be a fabulous on-the-field signing.

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