All posts by n8rngtd.top

In the grand scheme of things, Arsenal have enjoyed a rapid rise back up the footballing ladder in recent years.

Mikel Arteta has taken the North Londoners from mid-table mediocrity to genuine challengers in the Premier League and Champions League.

However, this season has felt like something of a step back, and following their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup during the week, it looks like they could end the campaign without a trophy yet again.

There were disappointing performances across the pitch on Wednesday, including from Leandro Trossard, who received a more than justified 5/10 match rating from the Standard’s Simon Collings.

The Belgian has been underwhelming for the whole campaign this season, so recent reports linking the club with an exciting winger who could replace him should not be a massive surprise.

Arsenal chase Trossard replacement

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several teams very interested in Deportivo La Coruña’s star winger, Yeremay Hernandez.

Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that fellow Premier League sides Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United are all keen on the young Spaniard and already have scouts watching him closely.

While the level of competition could prove a barrier to signing him, his price probably won’t, as another report out of Spain earlier this week revealed that the Galician outfit have set a €20m release clause in his contract, which converts to about £17m.

It could be a difficult transfer to get over the line, but given Hernandez’s performances this season, the potential some believe him to have, and Arsenal’s dire need for attacking reinforcements, it’s worth pursuing, even if it could spell trouble for Trossard.

How Hernandez compares to Trossard

So, it’s no secret that after his brilliant return of 17 goals and two assists in 46 appearances last season, Trossard has been seriously disappointing this year.

As things stand, the Belgian international has scored just four goals and provided three assists in 28 games, meaning he went from averaging a goal involvement every 2.42 games last year to averaging one every four games this year.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion ace cannot blame dwindling output on lousy luck either, as his underlying numbers have also significantly worsened.

For example, according to FBref, he was in the top 3% of attacking midfielders or wingers for non-penalty expected goals in the Premier League last season, whereas this year, he sits in the top 36% for the same metric.

In short, the 30-year-old international appears to be rapidly losing his edge, which is where the exciting Hernandez could come in.

Now, the 22-year-old has not experienced top-flight football before, so there is an element of risk in signing him, but he has been electric this season.

For example, in just 17 appearances, the “excellent” prospect, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored seven goals and provided three assists, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games.

Moreover, his underlying numbers are utterly phenomenal.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of midfielders in the next best 14 competitions for actual and expected non-penalty goals, total shots, progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Trossard’s days of being a compelling option on the wing for Arsenal look numbered, and while there is an element of risk in signing Hernandez, his raw output and underlying numbers are so good it’s a risk worth taking.

Arsenal chase £42m "box-crashing" titan who could already replace Merino

The Premier League veteran would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 10, 2025

The FIFA President says he's been working closely with the U.S. government to ensure the safety for fans traveling to America

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Infantino says traveling fans will be welcomed at FIFA tournaments
• FIFA President has been working closely with White House
• Club World Cup kicks off this summer, World Cup in 2026

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed that travelers from around the world will be welcomed at the 2026 World Cup, saying the sport's governing body has assurances about security from the White House.

  “It is very important we have the engagement of the different government agencies to make sure that security is guaranteed, that fans can travel to the U.S. and around the U.S., that transportation is working perfectly, that the world will be welcomed," Infantino told The Washington Post.

  Infantino met with President Donald Trump in Washington D.C. in March and followed it up by meeting with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel last week in Miami, the Post reported. He also met with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and discussed "security and potential issues" that could arise from a high volume of visitors expected to come to the U.S. for the global tournament.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT INFANTINO SAID

  “We got all these guarantees from the government, who is very, very engaged to make sure this Club World Cup is a huge success, because this will pave the path as well for next year," Infantino said.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 2026 World Cup will be the first held in the U.S. since the famed 1994 event. Matches will also be played in Canada and Mexico. The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

  The 104-game tournament featuring 48 teams will be held in 16 cities in three countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States. The U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle. Toronto and Vancouver will hose in Canada, while Mexico venues include Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT?

  The Club World Cup kicks off on June 14 as Inter Miami will face Al Ahly in the tournament opener. The World Cup will start on July 11, 2026.

Rangers have only managed to add Rafael Fernandes to their squad in this transfer window so far, but that could soon change as they have their eye on a “talented” player, according to a new report.

Rangers make it seven unbeaten in the league

The Gers bounced back from a disappointing Europa League night against Manchester United on Thursday by beating Dundee United 3-1 at Tannadice Park. Goals from Mohamed Diomande, Robin Propper, and Cyriel Dessers saw Rangers come back from a goal down to go 10 points behind Celtic, even though they have a game in hand.

Rangers star just showed why Koppen can forget about signing Lyall Cameron

The Glasgow Rangers midfielder put in a fantastic performance against Dundee United.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 26, 2025

Philippe Clement was pleased with the victory, labelling the performance as “mature” and “brave”. Clement said: “A very mature performance, a very good performance for sure in the second half also.

“A lot of braveness on the ball and a lot of power in the duels – necessary against a good Dundee United, who gave everything, and they deserve to be in third position this season because they’ve shown a lot of quality the last couple of months. We’ve had to change a lot in the last couple of weeks, and the team keeps on performing, and that’s a really good sign.”

Dessers took his tally to 18 goals on Sunday, after netting in Rangers’ last two games, and the forward believes he has a “lot of unfinished business” at the club, despite being linked with a move away. “No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football, the things that are happening on the pitch,” said Dessers after the Dundee United match.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys and fight for the points and be important. That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me.”

Rangers eyeing move for £4m-per-year forward

Even though Dessers has scored in back-to-back games and has 18 goals this season, according to The Sun, Rangers are eyeing a move for Emmanuel Dennis of Nottingham Forest.

The report states that Forest are looking to offload the striker this month, as they try to move him and his £4 million-a-year salary (£77,000-a-week) off their books. Dennis has held talks over a return to Vicarage Road, but Watford are unable to afford his wages. Sheffield Wednesday are also keen on the striker but cannot afford his salary, meaning that leaves the door open for Rangers, who are monitoring his situation.

The 27-year-old, who has been dubbed a “talented” player in the past by Claudio Ranieri, has fallen well out of favour at the City Ground. Dennis, who has 53 career goals to his name, joined the Reds in August 2022 but has not played for the club since May 2023.

Dennis spent the second half of last season on loan at Watford, where he scored four goals in 17 Championship games. The Nigerian international still has 18 months left to run on his contract, so given his salary, a loan move may be on the cards once again in this transfer window, and Rangers could be a destination.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was emotional after his son faced abuse at school following a controversial Real Madrid TV video.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bengoetxea to officiate Copa del Rey final
• RMTV post video criticising referee
• Bengoetxea breaks down in tears

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who will be the match referee for Saturday's Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Madrid, was overcome with emotion as he revealed that his son had been subjected to cruel bullying at school. The torment began just hours after the release of a controversial Real Madrid TV video, which led to personal attacks, with some calling his father a "thief."

Advertisement

• WHAT RICARDO DE BURGOS BENGOETXEA SAID

  Speaking to MARCA, Bengoetxea explained his plight amid the criticism him and his family are facing: "When your child goes to school and is told his father is a 'thief' and comes home crying, it's really tough.

  "What I'm doing is trying to educate my son, to tell him that his father is honest, that he makes mistakes like any other athlete. It's a real pain, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The day I leave here, I want my son to be proud of what his father was and what refereeing is, which has given us so many values.

  "What many of our colleagues are going through, not just in professional football but also in grassroots football, is unfair. Everyone should reflect on where they want to go, what they want from sports and football." 

• WATCH THE CLIP

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Real Madrid TV recently highlighted officiating "errors" by De Burgos Bengoetxea in matches involving the club, citing a 64% win rate for Madrid under his supervision. In contrast, Barcelona boasts an 81% win rate with him. Madrid raised concerns over a pattern of unfavorable outcomes with the referee. Saturday's Copa del Rey final will be his third time officiating a Real Madrid vs Barcelona final, having previously refereed their Super Cup encounters in 2017 and 2023.

Journalist Miguel Delaney reports that Everton have tabled a £15m bid for an “unbelievable” player on deadline day, also revealing the response.

Everton transfer news

An air of positivity has returned to Goodison Park, with David Moyes doing a great job since returning to the club, picking up a superb 4-0 win at home to Leicester City in the Premier League last Saturday.

Everton have been linked with some late moves in the January transfer window, in order to give them added depth, not least in attacking areas. Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has struggled for playing time this season, due to the imperious form of Chris Wood, and the Merseysiders have reportedly been attempting to bring him to the club.

Lyon winger Ernest Nuamah has also been backed to seal a move to the Blues before deadline day, but time is now running out to get a deal over the line for the exciting 21-year-old.

Defenders have been mentioned as potential options for Everton, too, including Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert, with a loan move until the end of the season mooted. The 23-year-old has scored one goal in Ligue 1 this season, also averaging 1.6 tackles per game.

Everton bid £15m for "unbelievable" player

According to The Independent‘s Delaney on X, Everton have seen a £15m bid for Tom Fellows rejected by West Brom on deadline day, and there is now “likely to be competition from Brentford and Southampton” in the summer transfer window.

To miss out on the 21-year-old is an obvious blow for the Blues, considering he has been lauded by Baggies teammate Karlan Grant this season: “He’s an unbelievable young player. As soon as he does that step-over, I know the ball’s going to be arriving at the back stick and there’s going to be chances.

“I wasn’t here last year, when he played a lot. But he’s very grounded. And I’m learning quickly what to expect from him. If the defender wants to show him inside he’s going to take the opportunity. But he has that sharpness about him that no-one can read him.”

Fellows is enjoying an impressive campaign in a West Brom shirt, proving to be one of the creative hubs of his team, registering 10 assists in the Championship in 2024/25 to date.

Understandably, the Baggies are clearly hesitant to lose such an important player midway through the season and without time to find a replacement, as they look to secure promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.

Better than Beto: Everton could seal D-day swoop for £18m "monster"

David Moyes’ Everton are in the hunt for a new centre-forward before tonight’s deadline.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 3, 2025

A summer bid for Fellows now feels like the next-best option for the Blues, at which point West Brom may consider the idea of accepting an offer for one of their most prized assets.

David Raya lavished praise on Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice and claimed that he is one of the best in the world.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Raya spoke highly of Real Madrid-slayer Rice
• Hailed him for his all-around qualities in midfield
• Gunners gearing up for a blockbuster clash against PSG

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rice was instrumental in helping Arsenal knock out Real Madrid in a thrilling quarter-final tie earlier this month. His standout displays earned him man-of-the-match honours in both legs of the encounter, with the highlight being his sensational brace from free-kicks in the first leg at the Emirates.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In the return leg at the Bernabeu, Rice once again put up a stellar show oozing confidence and composure, making an undeniable case for his status among Europe’s elite. With Arsenal now preparing for their first Champions League semi-final appearance in over a decade, the English international will again be looked upon as the driving force in midfield.

• WHAT RAYA SAID

  Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Champions League semi-final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, Raya was full of praise for Rice’s impact this season, highlighting his evolution into a top-level performer and a commanding figure in the squad.

  "He’s got to be top three [midfielders] in the world,” said Raya. “He can do everything from playing as a No.6 to a No.8, defending or attacking, and of course, he can take free kicks now! He’s better this season than he was last year, and he’s still young, but he’s definitely made the step to become a top player and a leader.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Although Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over PSG earlier in the Champions League group stage, Raya is not taking the French side lightly this time around. The Parisian giants have been in fine form during the knockout stages, eliminating both Aston Villa and Liverpool en route to the semis and sealing another Ligue 1 title with games to spare.

  “I watched their match with Villa and it was a hell of a game,” said Raya. “Even if you look at it from where we played them this season, they look like a completely different team now. I think they press really well together and they play the same way from the first minute until the last."

Newcastle United could reportedly be offered a “world-class” player in the summer transfer window, although it would be in a swap deal involving Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies continue to be linked with potential new signings, even though the summer is still many months away, with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher mentioned as an option.

The Republic of Ireland international has had to settle for being second choice goalkeeper at Anfield behind Alisson for some time, and he may feel that a move away at the end of the season is best for his development. The fact that Giorgi Mamardashvili is coming in from Valencia could push him further down the pecking order, too.

At the other end of the pitch, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been mentioned as an extremely exciting option, but he would likely only come in if Alexander Isak moves on to pastures new, which wouldn’t go down well with the supporters. The Nigerian is currently on loan at Galatasaray, where he has scored 12 goals in 14 Turkish Super Lig starts.

Newcastle are also thought to have sent scouts to watch Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, with the 21-year-old viewed as a long-term addition in the middle of the park.

Newcastle could be offered "world-class" Juventus star in Tonali swap deal

According to a fresh claim from Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Newcastle could be offered Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer, in a swap deal with Tonali, which is the one big drawback.

The Turin giants reportedly see the Italian as a “dream” signing at the end of this season and may be willing to allow the former Aston Villa player to head in the opposite direction, even though he only joined last summer in a £42m deal.

Ideally, Tonali will stay put this summer, lessening the need for Newcastle to bring in midfield reinforcements, but if he does end up moving away, Luiz could be a strong replacement to fill the void left by him.

The 26-year-old Brazilian has a huge amount of Premier League experience, appearing 175 times in the competition, and former teammate John McGinn has waxed lyrical over him, describing him as “world-class”, while Villa chief Monchi has said of him:

“Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve. He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive.”

Luiz has the same agent as Bruno Guimaraes, which could help aid discussions over a move to St James’ Park, and there is no reason why he couldn’t be an immediate hit alongside the Brazilian in Newcastle’s midfield.

Newcastle interested in signing "outstanding" £10k-a-week ace this summer

He had a big moment at St James’ Park this season.

By
Henry Jackson

Feb 9, 2025

That said, retaining the services of Tonali is still the preferred outcome, considering what an influential player he has become since joining from AC Milan back in the summer of 2023.

Wout Weghorst has hit the headlines after taking a swipe at a camera following Ajax's incredible Eredivisie title collapse.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ajax lost title with one game to go
• PSV retain crown at rivals' expense
• Weghorst lashed out in fury after hearing news

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ajax conceded a 99th-minute equaliser to FC Groningen on Wednesday, forfeiting their advantage over PSV at the top of the Eredivisie and putting the title in the grasp of their rivals. It meant Weghorst, Jordan Henderson and Co. needed to beat FC Twente on the final day – which they did – but hope PSV dropped points to Sparta Rotterdam. As the news filtered through that PSV were champions, Weghorst could not contain his anger as a cameraperson approached him for a close-up post-match.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Dutchman's anger is understandable considering the circumstances in which Ajax ceded the title. Their recent form has left fans stunned, winning just one of their final games and eventually missing out on the crown by a single point having held a nine-point lead at one stage.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR WEGHORST AND AJAX?

  Ajax have not won the Eredivisie since 2022 and must regroup ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Weghorst will likely be part of the squad for next season, with his contract running until 2026.

With four minutes left to play, it looked as though Manchester City were about to seal a famous victory.

This side, led by the great Pep Guardiola, have achieved all there is to achieve but defeating Real Madrid over two legs no less, would have been one of their best accomplishments to date.

However, the Champions League is Madrid’s baby. No side has won it more times. Simply, they are inevitable.

City ended up feeling the full force of that on Tuesday evening. An Erling Haaland brace had put the Citizens 2-1 up either side of a Kylian Mbappe goal but there would be no celebrations for Guardiola and Co come full time.

The Etihad side have been so staunch in recent years and would never have blown such a precious lead in years gone by. Though, this is not any ordinary Guardiola team. For the first time in his managerial career, he is running out of answers.

Former City employee Brahim Diaz made it 2-2 in the 86th minute and what happened afterwards all felt rather inevitable.

City made a crucial mistake. Mateo Kovacic’s errant back pass found Vini Jr – the man who City fans gleefully took the Micky out of pre-game – who then chipped Ederson. Jude Bellingham beat England colleague John Stones to a foot race and fired into an empty net.

The Etihad was stunned. The visitors couldn’t believe their luck. That man Jude was on hand to score yet another huge goal. He is the man for the big occasion.

Jude Bellingham’s heroic performance against Manchester City

Cast your mind back to the European Championships. England are on the verge of a last-16 exit at the hands of Slovakia until Bellingham comes along with his swagger and superiority.

Marc Guehi’s flick-on from a throw-in found the former Borussia Dortmund man who acrobatically fired past the ‘keeper. England sent the game to extra time. They later won.

Let us also cast our minds back to Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Valencia earlier this term. Los Blancos were on the verge of losing until that man Jude won the game in the dying embers.

If you need a late goal, he’s certainly your man. Bellingham is, of course, no stranger to English shores and gave British audiences a timely reminder of his mesmeric capabilities this week.

His goal, although simple, was classic Bellingham, advancing beyond the last line and breaking into the penalty area. His display, though, was more than just that precious strike.

His numbers were fantastic, completing all three of his dribbles, all three of his long balls and registering two key passes. Also making three tackles and registering three shots, this was a cracking all-round display.

Perhaps Madrid’s main man last term, he is somewhat in the shadow of Mbappe now but he won’t care one bit should Carlo Ancelotti’s men retain their continental crown.

Still, the 21-year-old isn’t valued quite as highly as one Manchester City star.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Manchester City’s best player against Madrid

This was a night for the world’s best players. Bellingham scored, as did Mbappe. Vini Jr played a vital role in the game-clinching moment and his Ballon d’Or rival and ultimately the winner of the award, Rodri, was back in the stands.

But while the Spaniard was forced to sit and admire proceedings, Haaland did not.

The Norwegian has scored 27 goals in 34 games this term and yet it still feels like he’s underwhelmed. That feels like a staggering thing to say but considering City’s form, it’s hardly a surprise he’s gone under the radar.

Yet, after a rough few weeks, including that 5-1 defeat to Arsenal where he scored but registered just ten touches and completed two passes, he was far more involved on this occasion.

It was the former Dortmund powerhouse who opened the scoring, latching onto Josko Gvardiol’s smart knockdown in the penalty area before firing past Thibaut Courtois on his return to England.

His second was a penalty and rather more straightforward but it was a reminder that he is still one of the greatest players in our game and should be hailed as such. To win a Ballon d’Or, the award commands Haaland to develop a more well-rounded style but there is no denying that City haven’t struck gold by signing him.

Acquired in the summer of 2022, the 24-year-old was signed for £51.2m. Such has been his devastating form since that he’s now worth a staggering £166m according to Transfermarkt.

To put those numbers into context, it makes him not only the most valuable player in the Premier League but also in Europe’s top five leagues, even ahead of Bellingham.

In contrast, the young England international is worth £150m according to the same source which caps off a wonderful rise to stardom.

Bellingham’s last-gasp goal may have stolen the show on Tuesday night and for all of his confidence and pizazz, it is still the goalscoring cyborg of Haaland that reigns supreme for market value.

Outclassed by Bellingham: Pep could axe Man City star who lost 89% duels

Man City lost 3-2 to Real Madrid in a dramatic first leg of their Champions League tie.

2

By
Joe Nuttall

Feb 12, 2025

GOAL looks at why France's all-time leading scorer is misfiring in MLS with Los Angeles FC

On Matchday 11 of the 2025 MLS season, LAFC recorded a 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo – and Olivier Giroud went as an unused substitute as the claimed a much-needed three points in MLS action. Watching along as his teammates triumphed, Giroud slumped back in his chair on the bench, not factoring into the result.

It has been a theme for the Frenchman since he joined MLS, and whether he's been on the pitch or not, he has not factored into results.

When LAFC signed Giroud on a free transfer from Serie A outfit AC Milan in the summer of 2024, expectations were high for the veteran striker. A dream of a target man, Giroud had plied his trade with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea in the English Premier League, and with the in Italy. Oh, and he is France's all-time leading scorer with 57 goals.

A 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France and a 2021 UEFA Champions League champion with Chelsea, Giroud added 11 other top-flight trophies over the course of his illustrious career. When he joined longtime friend and former France teammate Hugo Lloris in Los Angeles, expectations were high that the then-37-year-old would make an immediate impact.

That didn't happen. And frankly, it didn't even come close.

In 10 regular season appearances and four playoff matches, Giroud didn't net once. He scored once across all competitions, with his lone goal coming in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final – an important effort, but it was the only score in all competitions over a roughly five-month span.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Frenchman has featured in 11 games for the across all competitions, but has been blanked in 10 of those – scoring just once. His lone effort was also a brilliant goal – finding the back of the net from a free kick – but it's not a goal that changes the course of how his MLS career has started.

He's not been good enough – but there's more to it. He moved across the world to a completely different environment, and was thrown into a tactical system not built around him. On top of that, LAFC have constantly changed personnel on the pitch – giving him little consistency in the final-third. There's also the fact that he is reaching the tail end of his brilliant career. But are those valid excuses? Has the Western Conference side failed him? Or, is this just sometimes how the twilight of a career goes?

GOAL expands below.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Poor tactical fit

  With Arsenal, Chelsea and Milan, Giroud played in relatively ball-dominant systems.

  During his final two seasons in Italy with the Milan finished in the top-five of the league in possession throughout the campaign. Eleven Matchdays into the 2025 season, LAFC have only had possession more than their opposition in six of their 11 matches in regular season action – and in those 11 games, have only made four key passes leading to goals. He's also only made seven appearances this season in MLS action.

  Despite LAFC having 17 goals this season, they have managed just seven assists; there's been a heavy reliance on individual efforts – a game that has never benefited Giroud.

  Upon signing him, the club outlined his physical attributes and his hold-up play as key reasons why he would fit LAFC's plans.

  “What is different about Olivier is his physicality, his presence, his size,” said John Thorrington, LAFC’s general manager and co-president. “I think what is unique and holds up is his ability not just to score goals but also to combine and create goals. That was a unique combination of skills. Most strikers have either-or. We found a rare package that would suit us very well.”

  However, LAFC don't play a transition game with forward passes that allow the Frenchman to utilize those traits; rather, he's become excess weight in the final-third.

  It was an unexpected development, but Giroud doesn't fit the mold of how LAFC play – and it's become increasingly clear that manager Steve Cherundolo will not change his tactical identity to shoehorn him into the XI.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Constant change

  Cherundolo, who played a key role in recruiting Giroud, has already announced he will depart the club at the end of the 2025 season. While that change is still months away, it underscores the ongoing evolution of LAFC’s identity over the past eight months.

  Since Giroud’s arrival, LAFC’s attack has undergone a major transformation. At first, the frontline featured Poland international Mateusz Bogusz as the central striker, flanked by the dynamic Cristian Olivera on the wing. Both players, however, have since moved on. Bogusz was expected to lead the line while Giroud settled into MLS, and Olivera was billed as the creative force most likely to thrive alongside the Frenchman.

  Denis Bouanga remains a consistent presence, but the Gabon international was already an established MLS star before Giroud joined. The veteran striker was seen as the piece to elevate those around him. Yet with constant turnover in the final-third, the kind of chemistry and attacking rhythm needed to unlock Giroud’s full impact never had a chance to develop in his early months in the league.

  In 2024, he made 14 total appearances – 10 in the regular season and four in the playoffs – with zero goals and just three assists. He was continually backed by Cherundolo, though, even into the postseason.

  “I don’t have to explain anything to him. He’s been through all the levels of the game, and all the ups and downs. The effort for the team is always more important than scoring goals, for any attacker,” Cherundolo said ahead of their eventual playoff exit after a loss to the Seattle Sounders. “Then, depending on how many goals you score or how many key moments you contribute, that ratio can go up or down, and the direction can fluctuate for the attackers. I think he is very aware of that, and he works on it every week, every day."

  For the veteran forward, though, it was an underwhelming start to life in the U.S., and it was just challenging on the pitch.

• Getty Images News
  

  Struggles adapting to Los Angeles

  Time off the pitch hasn't been easy for Giroud, either. When he arrived in Los Angeles last summer, he moved across the world to a league, a country and a system he never played in.

  Then, after a tough few months on the pitch, parts of the city of Los Angeles were devastated by wildfires in January 2025 – something that affected the Frenchman's outlook on his brief time in the U.S.

  Twenty-four days of burning between the Palisades and the Eaton Fires resulted in more than 37,000 acres burned and more than 16,000 structures destroyed. At least 29 people were killed – 17 in the Eaton Fire and 12 in the Palisades Fire, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.

  "There was a massive earthquake when we were at the training ground," Giroud told The Mirror. "Then there were all the fires. It was a really sad situation. People lost everything. Hopefully, there will be better days ahead. It’s part of life. Sometimes you have great days and sometimes tough moments. We thank the first responders and firefighters who did an amazing job. It made me really sad. I was scared. I hope they will put all the effort and make improvements to prevent these fires from coming again."

  "It cannot happen that often. I try to support by giving some stuff to the people who lost everything," Giroud added, explaining the difficulties of watching this happen in his community. "This is when you need to be supportive of the people who need it."

  As he's adapted to life in MLS, he's also adapted to a massive change in his lifestyle – and with so much happening off the pitch, perhaps a little bit of grace should have been afforded, too. Yet, despite the reality of those off-pitch situations, it is clear is LAFC have to figure out what is next for their striker.

  The team has rallied from a slow start and currently sits fifth, but it can't continue to have one of its Designated Players sit on the bench when the club remains one of MLS's most ambitious sides.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• (C)Getty Images
  

  Decision time

  One key part of the acquisition of Giroud last summer was the hope that by bringing him to Los Angeles, it would help lure former France international and Atletico Madrid star – and close Giroud friend – Antoine Griezmann to the club this summer. However, the striker – despite admitting his desire to come to MLS – appears to be sticking around in Spain for at least one more year.

  So what does LAFC do now? What does Giroud do? Without Griezmann, is it worth trying to force the Giroud experiment to work?

  In recent years, European strikers have come to MLS towards the end of their careers and had relative success. Didier Drogba in Montreal, Robbie Keane and Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the Galaxy, but there have also been transfers that didn't quite pan out the way intended.

  Andrea Pirlo at NYCFC, Gonzalo Higuain at Inter Miami, Teemu Pukki at Minnesota United – they all fell into the category of relatively underwhelming, despite a few bright performances after crafting successful careers in Europe.

  For LAFC and the 38-year-old, it might be in the best interest of both parties to admit this isn't working. Age can't be the sole reason why Giroud is struggling, as LAFC found decent success with 39-year-old Kei Kamara just last year in the striker position. There are clearly several factors here.

  Giroud’s contract runs through the end of 2025, with a club option for 2026. While an early exit during the summer transfer window could offer a straightforward solution for both sides, it’s more likely LAFC will let the deal play out through 2025 – unless a significant turnaround in his on-field performances changes the equation.

  This was a necessary gamble for the club, but unfortunately, it hasn't paid off.