The LA Galaxy are in advanced talks with free agent Marco Reus, sources briefed on the deal tell The Athletic.
The Galaxy agreed to a deal with Charlotte FC for Reus’ discovery rights, sources say, giving the club the right to negotiate. Typically in these transactions, the allocation money will change hands only if the player signs, but in this case, Charlotte will receive some allocation money up front just for the right to negotiate, sources say.
If Reus signs with the Galaxy, Charlotte will receive among the most expensive fees for a player’s rights.
Charlotte had initially secured Reus’ discovery rights, which meant they had top priority to sign him. The Athletic reported in May Charlotte were in talks to sign the 35-year-old, while St Lois also held preliminary discussions.
The Galaxy cannot make Reus a designated player (DP) because all three slots are filled, meaning the most he can earn is $1.7million. Negotiations are ongoing and nothing is agreed yet. The Galaxy’s DPs are Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Painstil.
Reus also has offers from Saudi Arabia and Europe. He will decide his future soon, now that his season with Borussia Dortmund is over.
Both the Galaxy and Charlotte FC had executives at the Champions League final for meetings with Reus’ camp this weekend, sources say. Dortmund lost 2-0 to Real Madrid in London.
St. Louis also had a preliminary meeting with Reus, but like the Galaxy would have to make a deal with Charlotte over discovery rights.
Reus, who just turned 35, has officially played his last game with Dortmund as his contract expires this summer, ending a legendary 12-year stint at the club. He scored a storybook-ending free kick in his final home match to close the Bundesliga season, his 170th goal for the club. He also has 131 assists.
The Galaxy currently sit fourth in the Western Conference, with 28 points after 17 matches. Adding Reus to an already exciting attack would make them among the favorites in the Western Conference.
Charlotte will have a big summer ahead of them, with at least one DP spot open if not two if Karol Swiderski leaves, as well as a U-22 initiative slot and significant room under the salary cap. The club are off to an excellent start in 2024 under Dean Smith, with 22 points after 16 matches.
(Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images)
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