Reigning MLS Cup champions the Galaxy announced the signing of Dos Santos from La Liga outfit Villarreal as a Designated Player on Wednesday.
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Though the Galaxy did not disclose the terms of the contract, the LA Times reported that dos Santos will join the team on a four-and-a-half-year deal worth approximately $7 million. “He has experience and success competing at the highest level and we believe he will only continue to develop”.
Dos Santos’ Brazilian father, Geraldo Francisco “Zizinho” dos Santos, played for the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Los Angeles Lazers in 1986 and 1987, shortly before Giovani was born. Internationally, Dos Santos is one of Mexico’s most accomplished players, earning his first cap in 2006.
Although Gerrard, along with worldwide newcomers like Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo, may have the bigger name, the signing of dos Santos represents something of a coup for the Galaxy.
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera confirmed striker Giovani dos Santos was replaced at halftime against Trinidad and Tobago because of an injury. He also spent time with Mexico’s U-20 side at the 2007 Federation Internationale de Football Association U-20 World Cup, leading his team to a quarterfinals appearance.
Mexico face Costa Rica on Sunday for a spot in the Gold Cup semi-finals. The Mexican then had his best professional stint the following year with Villarreal, where he led his club to a sixth-place finish after promotion to La Liga, notching 12 goals and eight assists in all competitions with the club.
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This signing follows up another big grab by the Galaxy in Steven Gerrard, whom they picked up back in January and who is expected to make his debut Friday night against the San Jose Earthquakes. I think he’s going to be a superstar in this league, there’s no question about it. He has the right mentality.
