Former LA Galaxy star, coach could be set for Argentina reunion | OneFootball

As the LA Galaxy and recently extended manager Greg Vanney continue fighting in vain to snap their record, now 14-match winless start, a potential Galaxy reunion from a previous era could be taking shape in the Southern Hemisphere.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who once managed the Galaxy and as a player led the Columbus Crew to their first MLS Cup title, is currently managing Velez Sarsfield in his native Argentina's top flight.

And with the nation's secondary transfer window opening in about three weeks, he's looking to add reinforcements to a squad eyeing a continental run. Among them, according to South American media reports, is former Galaxy attacker Cristian Pavon.

Cristian Pavon, former LA Galaxy striker, is a priority for the twins.

Velez Sarsfield is on the edge of qualifying for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. And Schelotto is quite familiar with Pavon's attributes, having managed him not only with the Galaxy but also at Boca Juniors.

When Schelotto arrived in Los Angeles in 2019 to try to change the club's trajectory, Pavon was one of his most prized targets. Eventually LA secured him on loan, and he made 11 appearances (all starts), scoring three times and contributing four assists. With his speed and agility, the Argentinian became an exceptional compliment to the target play of world-class striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Even after Barros Schelotto's departure, Cristian Pavon continued to make a significant impact, earning LA Galaxy Player of the Year in 2020. Unfortunately for LA, it turned out the club had violated MLS roster rules to bring him to Southern California, which later resulted in sanctions from MLS.

Where is Cristian Pavon playing today?

Pavon has never quite recaptured the form that earned him that Galaxy honor, even while remaining a regularly used player at some of South America's biggest clubs.

He first went back to Boca Juniors before moving to Brazil, first with Atletico Mineiro and most recently Gremio, where he has five appearances and three starts -- but no goals -- in the current 2025 Serie A season.

Having been reduced to a rotational player, a reunion with Schelotto at Sarsfield could perhaps rejuvenate the 29-year-old's career.