Strikers who could help the LA Galaxy overcome the Chicharito injury

With the Galaxy's announcement of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s torn ACL last week, the team's striker position is of even more concern now — with half of the MLS season left to go. Chicharito's been the Galaxy’s most productive player in the previous two seasons, with 35 goals in 53 games over 2021 and 2022. 

But in 2023, there's been significant dropoff at the No. 9, with Chicharito, Dejan Joveljić, and Preston Judd combining for just three goals in 1,829 minutes during MLS play.

LA’s Mexican designated player accumulated one goal and one assist in nine appearances in MLS before his injury. His impact on games was minimal before the injury, and he sported one of the worst G-xG numbers in the league with -3. Finishing has been a real struggle for Mexico’s all-time leading goal scorer and his regression was becoming more visible by the game.

Fortunately, there is a way LA can replace Chicharito with another DP striker. If the Galaxy put him on the season-ending injury list, the club gets to use the vacated DP spot and international roster spot per MLS rules. The deadline to put him on the list is on July 4, the day before the secondary window opens. But the Galaxy sanctioned from making international signings in the secondary transfer window thanks to the Cristian Pavon situation, so finding a Chicharito replacement could be challenging

The Galaxy must rely on free agents or trades within the league to find a replacement. LA is allowed to sign international free agents before the opening of the upcoming transfer window or after it. They are just not allowed to bring anyone that requires an ITC during the window (July 5 to August 2). 

Despite these restrictions, there are still options available for LA to get striker reinforcements this window.

The current core

At the moment, the striker depth chart consists of Joveljić and Judd. The two have combined for three goals and one assist in 1,141 minutes in MLS. The only time either has scored as a starter was when Joveljić did it during the Galaxy’s first game of the season against FC Dallas. Stats like that illustrate concern about the current core.

For Joveljić, it’s not about whether he can score goals; it's whether he can score as a starter. He's coming off an 11-goal, three-assist 2022 playing just 1,003 minutes, and even proclaimed himself “the future of Galaxy’ on live TV following his goal off the bench against Atlanta United last July. 

The biggest difference between this season and last season is the Serbian is struggling to get shots on goal. According to FBref, he averaged 1.7 shots on target per 90 minutes in 2022; this season, that's dropped to 0.73. There's also a massive drop from 61% to 28% of his shots hitting the target, even though he's firing from closer to goal this season. His average shot distance is 11 yards out from goal compared to 15.6 from last season.

There is plenty of time for Joveljić to get a groove and develop chemistry with the first team as a starter. There is evidence that he’s much more impactful coming off the bench.

Judd, as a different profile of striker, relies more on his athleticism and work rate rather than his technical ability on the ball. He gets in dangerous positions in the box often and is better equipped to play as a target man than a poacher like Joveljić. He scored once this season and has had chances to get more but couldn’t find the right finish to beat the ‘keeper. While there is a small sample size on what he can do, there are promising signs that he can produce at the MLS level.

Players within the league

Leonardo Campana, Inter Miami 

With Lionel Messi revealing his intent to sign for Inter Miami last week, the Florida side will likely move some roster pieces around. While Miami would more likely look to part with Rodolfo Pizarro (which is arguably in line with Galaxy signings of late), 22-year-old Leandro Campana would be a better solution and potentially available. The Ecuadorian international finished the 2022 MLS season with 11 goals and two assists in 26 appearances. He currently has three goals and one assist in 789 minutes of play this season. 

According to FBref, he’s averaging 1.1 shots on goal per game with 47% hitting the target this season. At 6'2", Campana is mobile and a crossing threat in the box. He’s also a decent passer with the ball at his feet. The Galaxy is a lot better in the attack with a striker that can come deep and help progress the ball. His 1.6 passes in the final third and 2.1 progressive passes per 90 are better than Joveljić’s numbers in those categories this season.

Campana, who turns 23 on July 24, is a Young DP in Miami and could be a potential successor for Chicharito. He’s got lots of potential in MLS and could compete for the starting position with Joveljić for years to come. He will likely require a big package to depart from Miami, but LA would get a player with potential and promise in MLS. His current contract runs through the 2025 MLS season with a club option for the 2026 season.

Sebastian Ferreira, Houston Dynamo

After getting 13 goals and three assists in 2022, Sebastian Ferreira appears to have fallen out of favor with new head coach Ben Olsen. Ferreira has started in two games and played just 281 minutes this season. With the Dynamo wanting to secure a playoff spot this season, the Paraguayan striker could be on the market to open up a DP spot in Houston. 

He’s a fox in the box and will find the ball in dangerous areas in the final third. The 25-year-old has caused damage to the LA Galaxy with two goals and two assists in two appearances versus the Gs. Just take a look at the variety of goals he scored last season, strikes from inside and outside the box — in one case against Austin, well outside the box — and getting on the end of headers. A change of scenery could help the Paraguayan get back into form and on the scoresheet, especially considering the creative talent the Galaxy midfield possess. 

Ferreira is the most expensive signing in Houston Dynamo history, but his lack of playing time this season has caused a dent in his value. Like Campana, he’ll likely require a big package to get a deal done with Houston and his contract runs until the end of the 2025 MLS season with an option for 2026.

READ MORE: How Houston Dynamo DP Sebastian Ferreira went from 15-20 goal expectations to zero MLS minutes

Gustavo Bou, New England Revolution 

There are two main reasons why New England Revolution striker Gustavo Bou is the best short-term solution if the Galaxy looks for a DP striker in MLS. 

1. He’s a veteran player that has produced in MLS – 42 goals and 15 assists in 99 career games with the Revs.
2. Bou’s contract ends at the conclusion of this season.

Let’s start with the first point. The Galaxy needs someone with MLS goal-scoring experience now, which Bou provides. His 2021 season was his best in MLS with 15 goals and eight assists, helping the Revolution get to a league-record 73 points to win the Supporters' Shield. With LA leading the league in chances created, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net. 

Unlike the other strikers the Galaxy could trade for, Bou is one whom the Galaxy doesn’t have to commit long term. He has struggled with fitness in the last year and a half; the Galaxy just needs a goal scorer until the end of the season. The Argentine is the perfect short-term solution to get a starting-caliber striker and getting a deal done with New England would likely not be as expensive as the other two previously named strikers. 

Free Agents

Alexis Sanchez

Sanchez is one of the best Chilean players of all time. He built a pedigree with Barcelona and Arsenal at the club level and helped lead his home country to back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016. His transfer to Manchester United in 2018 coincided with his struggles to find his world-class form — to many Red Devils fans' dismay. 

During the ‘22-‘23 season, Sanchez found his goalscoring form again. He recorded 14 goals and three assists after one season with Marseille in Ligue 1 and is set to be a free agent at the end of the month. This season provided a major bounce back for the 34-year-old. 

Sanchez is not just a goal scorer' he's also quite good on the ball, and is used to having a high volume of passes with 31 per game, which would fit the Galaxy’s possession playing style. He registered 1.7 key passes and 3.9 progressive passes per game, ranking in the 94th percentile among players in Europe’s top five leagues. If LA decides to pursue him, he’ll be more involved in possession but also still have the finishing touch in the box. He has enough in the tank to put up goals against MLS competition. There will be competition from other clubs around the world; multiple reports have stated there is interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, who appear to be stockpiling older name players. 

Edin Džeko

The 37-year-old is coming off an appearance in the Champions League final with Inter Milan, and his contract ends this month. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s all-time top scorer has played for top clubs Manchester City and Roma during his career. He’s scored 107 Serie A goals since joining the league in 2015. 

The Galaxy needs a proven goal scorer and someone who can finish off chances. Džeko has played in the biggest games at the club level and is still a quality finisher at his age. He finished the Serie A season with nine goals and three assists in 1,731 minutes. He also scored four times during this past UEFA Champions League campaign.

Despite not having the pace and athleticism he had during his prime years, the Bosnian excels in holdup play. The Galaxy has struggled to get quality holdup play from Chicharito and Joveljić this season. He’s still a capable goal scorer and there is competition from other clubs for his signature. 

While he may not be a like-for-like replacement for Chicharito, he gives the LA Galaxy something different and brings elite goalscoring with him. 

Even with the sanctions in the upcoming transfer window, there are options for LA to pursue to salvage the 2023 MLS season.