Major League Soccer (MLS) team LAFC is on the verge of securing a deal with AC Milan and French international forward Olivier Giroud, as confirmed by sources. The Athletic was the first to break the news.
Giroud, aged 37, is expected to make the move to LAFC after fulfilling his commitments with the French national team at Euro 2024, scheduled between June 14 and July 14. The MLS summer transfer window is set to open on July 18 and will run until August 14.
The deal is anticipated to run at least until the conclusion of the 2025 season, with Giroud likely to become a designated player for LAFC. LAFC currently holds Giroud's discovery rights, giving them the first option among MLS clubs to sign the forward. However, Giroud has reportedly engaged in discussions with other MLS teams.
Giroud's existing contract with AC Milan is due to expire at the end of the 2023-24 Serie A season. Before officially joining LAFC, Giroud will need to undergo a physical examination and secure a work visa.
Throughout his career, Giroud has been a prolific goal scorer, amassing 276 goals in nearly 700 league and cup appearances for various clubs. He holds the record for the most goals scored for France, with 57 goals in 131 appearances. Giroud was part of France's victorious World Cup squad in 2018 and has clinched 11 trophies with clubs like Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Milan, where he contributed to their Serie A triumph in the 2021-22 season.
Giroud has also represented France in multiple World Cups and European Championships. In the current season, he has been in exceptional form, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists in 26 Serie A matches.
LAFC has made it to the MLS Cup final in the last two seasons, winning against the Philadelphia Union in 2022 but falling short against the Columbus Crew in 2023. The team currently has two designated player spots available and sits in sixth place in the Western Conference this season with seven points from five matches.
