Louisville City FC midfielder joins the LA Galaxy in 2025 | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy have been one of the most active teams in Major League Soccer this offseason. After winning a record sixth championship, the Western Conference juggernauts are hungry for more.

Another new addition to the team is Elijah Wynder. He joins the LA Galaxy from Louisville City FC.

Wynder has played for Louisville City FC since 2019. In 84 games (starting in 55 of them), he has scored 11 times while recording three assists.

The two parties agreed to a contract that will run through the 2027 season. There is also a club option for 2028.

Why are the LA Galaxy putting so much focus on midfielders?

Midfield has been a position the front office has revamped. Riqui Puig suffered a gnarly ACL tear during the MLS Western Conference Finals.

Puig finished the game against the Seattle Sounders. His assist to Dejan Joveljic sent the team into the MLS Cup Finals.

The 25-year-old Spaniard was responsible for 17 goals and 19 assists between both the regular season and postseason. With Puig not expected to be a major contributor for the 2025 MLS Season, the LA Galaxy diverted their attention at softening the blow of losing Puig.

First, the front office sent MLS Finals MVP Gaston Brugman to Nashville SC for veteran Sean Davis. Recently, Marky Delgado was shipped off to rival LAFC.

During the MLS Super Draft in December, the Los Angeles Galaxy used their first of three picks to take Jason Bucknor. Marco Reus and Edwin Cerrillo are still on the roster, too.

Wynder was named the 2024 USL Championship Young Player of the Year and was awarded USL Championship All-League Second Team honors. He will not be the only youthful newcomer to the defending champion's locker room.

General Manager Will Kuntz has stressed the team's dedication to being in win now mode. The last time anyone in MLS won back-to-back champions was in 2011 & 2012 when the LA Galaxy accomplished this feat.

While Wynder is not expected to start, he gives head coach Greg Vanney another option when looking at substitutions from the bench. The 6'1'' and 170-pound midfielder will join other second unit members like Eriq Zavaleta and Julian Aude.

The regular season starts next month as MLS will open up shop for the 30th season. The Los Angeles Galaxy's next title defense officially begins on Saturday, February 23 at home against San Diego FC.