This All-Star Midfielder Should Be on the LA Galaxy's Radar and Why

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FanSided MLS

·23. Juli 2025

This All-Star Midfielder Should Be on the LA Galaxy's Radar and Why

The front office for the Los Angeles Galaxy has been especially busy the past two winters. In 2024, it paid off as the team not only made its record tenth MLS Cup Finals appearance, it also raised its sixth title.

Two of their trades involved veteran midfielders. Both Gaston Brugman and Marky Delgado were shipped out for next to nothing. Nashville SC gave the LA Galaxy Sean Davis who was released before the season opener and Delgado did not net a player in return.

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Lucas Sanabria is one of the newcomers for the LA Galaxy. Elijah Wynder joined the team, as well. Riqui Puig was initially ruled out for the 2025 MLS regular season due to his ACL injury sustained in the 2024 MLS Western Conference Finals.

"Cristian has been very productive every season with us and is regarded as one of the top players in the league, as evidenced by him earning a spot on the All-Star team this year. He has an elite ability to create chances for his teammates, and his goal production has increased every season. Cristian is also an incredible leader for this team both on the field and in our community."Chris Leitch, San Jose Earthquakes GM

Despite playing without their star midfielder, the LA Galaxy won a sixth MLS Cup in their tenth Finals appearance. This season, has been less than stellar as the newcomers have struggled and injuries affected the team, including Marco Reus.

Never fear because the LA Galaxy have one of the most aggressive and savvy general managers on payroll. Two years in a row now, Will Kuntz has been on the prowl to add star talent. For instance, he brought former Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus on board this time last season.

Players like Sebastian Berhalter, Diego Luna and Evander are surely out of their price range. That's why he surely will be looking at the other midfielders on Wednesday night during the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.

Cristian Espinoza

For the first time in franchise history, the Los Angeles Galaxy are without an All-Star. They may not have to look very far (within California) to find one. It also wouldn't be the first time that the LA Galaxy plucked a star from the San Jose Earthquakes roster.

Twenty years, it happened ahead of the 2005 MLS regular season when Landon Donovan joined the LA Galaxy and history was forever changed. The same result may not transpire with Espinoza.

Yet, Espinoza has four goals on the year and 10 assists. Those stats are similar to Reus. However, the Argentina native is 30 years old, six years younger than Reus.

Currently one of nine midfielders on this year's MLS All-Star roster, Espinoza is making about $1.5 million. The LA Galaxy could find a way to afford his service and line him up with Marco Reus and a healthy Puig.

If San Jose elects to not pick up his club option for 2026, he could be free to tell Kuntz "yes" this winter.