Major MLS Powerhouse Sets Sights on Philippe Coutinho in Blockbuster Transfer Pursuit
LA Galaxy may pursue additional squad reinforcements during the opening phase of the 2026 MLS campaign, with emerging reports suggesting the six-time MLS Cup winners are considering Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
Based on reporting from AS, Galaxy have not yet submitted an official bid for the ex-Liverpool playmaker, but might view him as cover for sidelined creative midfielder and Designated Player Riqui Puig, who faces missing the entirety of 2026 following his absence throughout the 2025 season.
Puig, aged 26, was instrumental in guiding Galaxy to the 2024 MLS Cup triumph, contributing 17 goals and 18 assists in 32 combined regular season and playoff appearances. However, he sustained an ACL injury during the Western Conference final against Seattle Sounders, before his squad completed their championship run.
The Spanish playmaker hasn't featured since that injury. Original recovery projections suggested a mid-2025 comeback, but complications including another surgical procedure in January 2026 have ruled him out for the complete 2026 season.
As a response, Galaxy secured Brazilian forward João Klauss from St. Louis CITY SC. Nevertheless, they might seek a more prominent signing before the winter transfer period concludes.
Coutinho, currently 33, recently ended his association with childhood club Vasco da Gama in Brazil, stating he felt "mentally drained" and required a "break."
He faced hostile reception when substituted at halftime prior to a penalty shootout win over second-tier team Volta Redonda last Sunday
"I deliberated extensively before posting this," Coutinho expressed on social media.
"There was never any shortage of effort, never any lack of desire and dedication, but being criticized by numerous people for something that doesn't reflect my nature is incredibly challenging. I would never show disrespect to supporters, my colleagues, or Vasco. I've never behaved that way anywhere I've played. Those familiar with me understand this."
During 2024–25, Coutinho managed 11 goals and five assists across 56 appearances in all Brazilian competitions. He netted three times in seven matches this year before circumstances at Vasco da Gama became untenable.
How Would Coutinho Fit at LA Galaxy?
How Would Coutinho Fit at LA Galaxy?
Galaxy would encounter certain obstacles incorporating Coutinho into their squad. Despite Puig being placed on season-long injured reserve, they currently occupy all three available Designated Player positions with Klauss, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil.
Nevertheless, the organization could potentially reduce Klauss's contract value, which, though undisclosed, likely mirrors his 2025 St. Louis CITY SC agreement worth $1.37 million, considerably below the maximum permitted salary for a Targeted Allocation Money player.
Though they can probably adjust financially to accommodate him within salary restrictions, determining his tactical position presents a greater challenge. In Brazil, he operated mainly as an attacking midfielder, a position currently occupied by German star Marco Reus for Galaxy, suggesting his arrival would necessitate tactical adjustments from manager Greg Vanney, or deployment in a deeper midfield position within a 4-2-3-1 system.
Galaxy commence their 2026 MLS regular season campaign on Sunday facing New York City FC with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.