Photo by Luca Bruno/AP
The L.A. Galaxy officially announced the signing of Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong today, adding the 31-year-old World Cup veteran to fill the team’s final roster spot for the 2016 season.
A product of the famed Ajax Academy, De Jong’s club career made stops in the Netherlands (Ajax), Germany (Hamburger SV), England (Manchester City) and Italy (A.C. Milan) before coming stateside. He also played for the Netherlands in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
“Nigel is an experienced midfielder who will help the players around him get better,” said LA Galaxy coach and General Manager Bruce Arena. “He will add qualities on the field that can strengthen our team in all areas.”
De Jong’s contract with Milan was terminated through mutual consent on Monday, clearing the way for the 31-year-old to join the Galaxy on a free transfer. He was previously tied to the Italian club until 2018, but has been linked to the Galaxy since January.
Grazie pic.twitter.com/oDYszFQTvo
— Nigel de Jong (@NDJ_Official) February 1, 2016
De Jong could help fill Juninho’s role as a holding midfielder. He is also a rugged defender known for physical play. While playing in the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he kicked Spain’s Xabi Alonso in the chest and received a yellow card on the play, but referee Howard Webb said later the Dutch midfielder should have seen red.
GIF from sbnation
De Jong is the latest in a string of veteran signings for the Galaxy this offseason. The team most recently signed Ashley Cole, 35, and Jelle Van Damme, 32, to bolster the woeful defense. Dan Kennedy, 33, is in line to be the No. 1 goalkeeper, while the Galaxy also signed forward Mike Magee, 31, and midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, 32.
The revamped Galaxy started their preseason with a 2-1 win over Armenian club FC Shirak on Jan. 30. Kennedy was forced to come off his line several times to cover up Galaxy defensive miscues and prevent clear scoring chances for FC Shirak. The additions of Cole, Van Damme and de Jong are expected to strengthen the Galaxy defense that was one of the main reasons why the team was knocked out of the playoffs early.
