Transfer Whispers: Defensive Help from Germany?

By: NathanHJ | March 31st, 2009

Steve Goff at the Washington Post drops this whisper of a rumor on us via his excellent Soccer Insider blog:

…..according to MLS sources, USA defender Gregg Berhalter is close to being released by 1860 Munich, which would clear the way for the New Jersey native to sign with the U.S. league. A few teams expressed initial interest in him weeks ago, but it’s unclear how many remain in the chase. Los Angeles is believed to be at the top of the allocation list.

Ooookaaayyyy. Maybe. Berhalter is a former National Team player who had a big role in the team’s great 2002 run, stepping in for an injured Jeff Agoos and helping solidify a backline that played above itself for most of that tournament. He’s played top flight and second flight futbol around Europe including in the Dutch and English leagues as well as 1 and 2 Bundesliga in Germany. He likes to play in the center.

He’s also 35 years old and will turn 36 during the course of the season.

So. Sitting at the top of the allocation list, do we claim Gregg (that extra “g” is going to slow him down as he gets older, you watch) if he becomes available or do we wait for the next option? If we grabbed him, who would sit? Gonzalez? Sanneh? If Gonzalez, do we want a central tandem that is old enough to remember when bell bottoms, striped jeans jackets, and those hideous hideous giant disco sunglasses were cool the first time ’round? If Sanneh, then is that really an upgrade? And could the Galaxy actually afford him?

Of course, it’s not really that much of a rumor, more a whisper of what could happen given two facts: Berhalter being released and the Galaxy having the top allocation choice.

What do you guys think? Is this something Arena should pursue? Or are we okay in the back until something better comes along? Give your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: 2009 Season, Player News, Team News, Transfer Rumors

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anon

Save the money for Carlos Hernandez!!!!!!!!!!!
George

Seems like we may have a new player:
http://www.mls-rumors.net/2009...
tiffany

I say hold out for a younger player, let Sanneh mentor Gonzalez, players like him are our future. Stop the revolving door and lets nurture and foster our youngsters into top flight players. Oh...not that 36 is too old, last year I would say nab him, but are we really in that same situation now? I dont think so.....
Colin

I think Berhalter would be a plus for the team, but I also think that DaMarcus Beasley's run in Europe is probably coming to a close as well, and I'd hate to see us lose our spot in the allocation order and miss out on getting someone like him.

I thought our defense didn't do too poorly, considering...
charlesj27

NathanHJ,
I don't think our LA Galaxy really need a mid-30s central defender right now. To me, I think Omar & Tony seem to be or are going to be doing a decent job at the central defense for most games. I say lets hold onto this top spot in allocation order until something more prominent comes along. I am not sure - but, does Gregg have any strong ties to Bruce Arena? I know Gregg has strong ties to Jovan Kirovski and Eddie Lewis. May be, Gregg is willing to work hard & play hard because those two players are with the LA Galaxy. I hope this doesn't mean we're letting go of Julian Valentin - because that would just suck! Julian has not even gotten the opportunity to play for us that much.
I really want Eddie Lewis, Edson Buddle, and Donovan Ricketts to all get completely better and get back on the field for us - we need more folks that can actually take command and create chances. I just hope Landon doesn't get so over-played with the National team that he's out of gas this weekend. We'll see...