L.A. Galaxy acquires beloved former Inter Miami striker Robert Taylor | OneFootball

The 'Finnish Flash' is headed for the Hollywood hills.

Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that the Los Angeles Galaxy has signed 31-year-old Finnish forward Robert Taylor, a fan favorite at Inter Miami as it transitioned from struggling expansion club to star-studded MLS Cup champions. Taylor's contract runs through the end of the year with an option for 2027. Austin, which acquired Taylor from Las Garzas in April 2025, waived him in June after injuries plagued his time in Texas.

The Galaxy, with 5 wins, 5 draws and 5 losses for 20 points, sit ninth in the MLS Western Conference, barely clinging to a playoff position; they've scored just 22 goals. LA general manager Will Kuntz hopes Taylor will help the Galaxy generate more offense in the season's second half

"We are excited to welcome Robert to the Galaxy family," Kuntz said in an MLS news release. "He brings versatility and a wealth of experience in MLS and will be a great addition to our locker room."

When Inter Miami traded the pacy Taylor to Austin FC in April 2025, he had appeared in more Inter Miami matches (116) than any other player (defender Noah Allen has taken the lead with 122 appearances and former goalkeeper Drake Callender is next with 118. Midfielder Sergio Busquets matched Taylor's total before retiring after the 2025 MLS Cup).

Without ever being the club's top attacking option, Taylor managed 18 goals and 18 assists in a little more than three seasons. He was Lionel Messi's most productive attacking partner for a time in 2023 and helped the team win the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield.

Taylor spent years bouncing between small European clubs before signing with Inter Miami in 2022 -- when the Herons were remaking their roster to comply with MLS sanctions for salary rules violations. He exceeded expectations and many fans were disappointed to see him traded to clear roster space for the ongoing (and quite successful) Messi project.

He was gone before the Herons lifted last year's MLS Cup, but Taylor deserves some credit for helping build the Herons' winning culture, a bridge from its "Freedom to Dream" past to its "living the dream" present.

Here's hoping Taylor's knee problems are resolved and he's able to produce for the Galaxy. He's a good guy who deserves to end his career with a winner.