LA Galaxy sign Sergi Roberto through 2028

CARSON, California (AP):

Spanish midfielder Sergi Roberto has joined Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy on a two-year contract through 2028.

The Galaxy announced the deal yesterday for the 34-year-old Roberto, who spent the past two seasons with Serie A club Como after the conclusion of his 18-year Barcelona career in 2024. His contract includes an option for the 2028-29 season.

“Sergi brings a combination of leadership, technical quality, tactical intelligence and championship experience that few players have,” Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz said in a statement.

“He has been a key member of some of the greatest teams of his generation and understands not only what it takes to win, but [also] what it means to be a winning team. Sergi’s character, positional versatility, and leadership will be invaluable.”

Roberto was a dependable central midfielder for Barcelona’s dominant teams built around Lionel Messi throughout the 2010s, winning 25 trophies in all competitions with the Blaugrana.

After making his first-team debut at age 18, he recorded 19 goals and 43 assists in 373 appearances, culminating with a season as Barça’s captain in 2023-24. During his tenure, the club won seven La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns.

Roberto then moved to Como, where he spent two seasons under former teammate Cesc Fàbregas and helped the club secure qualification for the Champions League.

Roberto will join German star Marco Reus in the Galaxy midfield. He will also be reunited with former Barcelona teammate Riqui Puig, who is expected to return for LA in 2027 after missing two consecutive seasons through injury.

The Galaxy sit 12th in the Western Conference standings during another disappointing season, but they are making moves in an attempt to finish strongly before entering 2027 with a revamped roster. Since winning their record sixth MLS Cup title in 2024, the Galaxy have won just 12 of their subsequent 53 MLS matches.

The Galaxy acquired Roberto one day after agreeing to a loan deal for Mexican forward Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano from San Diego FC.

While Roberto was a key contributor at Barcelona for more than a decade, he made only 11 international appearances for Spain, whose midfield during his prime included some of football’s greatest players, among them Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets.