Cristian Pavón arrived on loan to the LA Galaxy in 2019. He made an immediate impact alongside Zlatan Ibrahimović, giving the Galaxy one of the most powerful offenses in MLS history. The problem was the Galaxy also boasted one of the worst defenses in the MLS as well. However with the addition of Pavón, the Galaxy were able to make the playoffs in 2019, a feat they were unable to accomplish the previous few seasons. With the 2020 season in limbo, rumors as to the future of Cristian Pavón in a Galaxy uniform are rampant.
The summer transfer window is approaching, and teams are faced with tough decisions. Decisions that are normally made with data collected thru the regular season. But it’s not only teams that are contemplating their future, players are also trying to figure out what direction they want to go once soccer returns. Rumors swirling around Pavón have him making a possible summer transfer back to Boca Juniors. However, I think the actual likelihood of this fan favorite returning to Boca before his loan contract expires December 31st 2020 is unlikely.
Pavón’s performances in Boca Juniors gave him the opportunity to be part of the Argentinian national team in the 2018 World Cup.
The LA lifestyle suits the young Argentinian, and I don’t think Pavón is in any rush to leave. He is a fan favorite with the Galaxy faithful, and showered with cheers and admiration every game. Even if some of the rumblings were true and Pavón wanted an early return to Boca, the Galaxy would have to have a replacement signed before they would ever let one of their star players go.
With that said there is a chance this may be happening. Not unlike the Chicharito Hernández deal that seemed to go from a rumor to a mega signing in a relatively short time frame, another such rumor is starting to gain momentum. James Rodríguez of Real Madrid who has been playing on loan at Bayern Munich is said to be on the Galaxy’s radar. Rodríguez is 28 years old and generally this would be a player’s top earning years of their career.
Real Madrid’s James Rodríguez.
However, market values are plummeting. PSG is said to be prepared to take an offer on an unnamed player that is half of what his market value was a month ago. So with player values plummeting, and a stalled career, a one or two year contract to the Galaxy might actually be in the cards. The move could allow James to dominate in the MLS and perhaps gain interest again from European clubs.
If this deal happens with James Rodriguez that means the Galaxy need to open a DP spot. Javier Hernández was just signed on a record breaking deal from Sevilla. Although he has had a slow start many expect him to have a major impact on the field. The second DP spot is held by Jonathan Dos Santos, the current captain of the LA Galaxy. Since Jonathan’s arrival he has become the heartbeat of the LA Galaxy. He is cool calm and collected on the field, controlling the tempo of play. He has a humble and kind personality off the pitch.
LA Galaxy’s Javier Chicharito Hernández and Jonathan Dos Santos during a training session. (Source: @lagalaxy)
There is no way that Javier or Jonathan Dos Santos would be leaving the Galaxy to make way for James Rodríguez without causing riots in the streets of LA. So that leaves Cristian Pavón. Although he is also loved by fans, his departure would make the most sense. With the rumors that Boca would like to bring him back and teams like Arsenal that are interested in purchasing Pavón’s contract, he would likely be sold to make room for Rodríguez. As much as many fans including myself would hate to see him go, it’s hard to argue if James Rodríguez is his replacement.
Now like I said before the likelihood in my opinion is low that any of these moves happen. There is too much uncertainty from this broken season. Even if and that’s a big if, the MLS gets a full season in. What does that season look like? Would the Galaxy be essentially wasting money by making any more big moves this season? With market values tanking will teams be reluctant to sell low? I think the answer to those questions is yes, and we will see Pavón finish the 2020 season with the LA Galaxy. This will be the last season with the Galaxy however, as the 20 million dollar purchase option will be too rich for the Galaxy. My prediction is Pavón will be a Gunner come 2021.
Pavón made an immediate impact in the MLS.
