LA Galaxy trade for Jermaine Jones as they rebuild their midfield
The LA Galaxy have traded a first round pick to the Colorado Rapids for the rights to Jermaine Jones in their first major move of the post-Bruce Arena era.
Jones isn't officially a Galaxy player yet. He's currently out of contract so he can go sign with any other team in any non-MLS league, but if he re-signs with MLS then it will be with the Galaxy. Considering the club had previously confirmed that they have been speaking with Jones and gave up a first round pick, it's safe to say that probably have an agreement with Jones and that the midfielder will play for LA.
It's unclear what kind of contract Jones will be on. When he first joined MLS and went to the New England Revolution, he was a Designated Player on a hefty salary. He dropped below the DP threshold last season with the Rapids as his pay decreased. The Galaxy do have a DP spot available if they want to sign him to an expensive contract, but the club have several other holes to fill and it's tough to see them banking a ton of money on Jones.
The Galaxy's decision to pursue Jones is a bit bizarre, considering he is 35 years old and they've been bit by aging, high profile midfielders recently. Jones is still an unquestionably good player when he can play, but he's been sidelined with more and more injuries lately, something that only figures to continue as he gets older. He may be a good player, but he's hardly a dependable one at this point in his career.
LA do have to rebuild their entire midfield. Nigel de Jong left midseason and Steven Gerrard is gone too. Baggio Husidic is their only dependable central midfield and he's more a depth piece than someone to lean on every game. The Galaxy have a lot of work to do to sort things out there, but Jones isn't a bad start, if he can play with any regularity.
This move will probably please United States fans. Jones may be getting older and the national team can't depend on him, but they can sure use him when he's fit and able to play. The key for him this winter was finding a club where he'll get to play and stay in form. Obviously that also depends on his health, but at least he'll be at a club where he'll play as long as he's healthy and be in the frame for the U.S. when they need him.
