Steven Gerrard to LA Galaxy: Latest Details, Comments and More

Tom SunderlandJan 3, 2015

Steven Gerrard will continue illustrious career with the Los Angeles Galaxy when he leaves Liverpool this summer. He confirmed the move on Jan. 7.

Continue for updates.

Galaxy Announce Signing of Gerrard

Wednesday, Jan. 7

LAGalaxy.com's Staff announced Gerrard's official signing and provided a statement from the star player:

"
I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States with LA Galaxy. The Galaxy are the most successful club in Major League Soccer history and I am looking forward to competing for more championships in the years to come. My discussions with Bruce Arena and Chris Klein were extremely positive and the future of the team is very bright. I am committed to helping the LA Galaxy compete for trophies and to having an impact in Los Angeles and I will give my all for the club. In the meantime, I will continue to give everything for Liverpool for the remainder of this season before joining up with the Galaxy.
"

Mike Whalley of ESPNFC.com previously provided a statement from Gerrard discussing the move with Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times:

The time's right for myself and my family for the change, the fresh challenge.

"
I've been here for a long time. I've given an awful lot back to this club.
But I now feel it's the time for a fresh break and to try something different.
I want to finish my career very strong. I want to add some more medals and trophies to my collection. So I think it's a match made in heaven, really.
One of the reasons why I chose the LA Galaxy was because of the success they've had recently. But also the plans for more success in the future.
"

Whalley also provided a statement from Galaxy coach Bruce Arena

"
Steven Gerrard arrives in July and by then we will certainly have a plan available.
He's a player of quality. I'm not concerned about how he's going to fit in with our team.
We have a club now with a proven history of success. All those things go hand in hand in making LA Galaxy a very attractive team for players such as Steven Gerrard.
"

Earlier in the day, Ed Malyon of Mirror reported Gerrard was flying to Los Angeles:

"
Steven Gerrard has flown to the USA to seal his move to Major League Soccer.
The Liverpool skipper has been given leave by the club to cross the Atlantic and tie up a switch to LA Galaxy that is expected to net him just shy of £4million over 18 months.
"

Whalley noted additional financial details surrounding the deal, "Gerrard is set to earn a basic salary of around four million pounds ($6 million) a year, around half of what he currently receives at Anfield, although he will be able to increase that figure through his image rights and sponsorship."

LA Galaxy Announcement Looming

Tuesday, Jan. 6

Ben Smith of BBC Sport reports that Gerrard will name his new employers before the end of the week:

Gerrard Set for MLS Switch

Saturday, Jan. 3

ESPN FC's Jeffrey Carlisle confirmed on Saturday evening that Gerrard will join Major League Soccer when his Anfield contract expires, with the West Coast his new destination:

Carlisle provided more info on the deal, and why the Galaxy were chosen for the talismanic midfielder:

"
The Galaxy will add the midfielder after the Premier League season ends on a pro-rated deal worth $6 million (3.9 million pounds) a year. The Washington Post earlier reported details of the contract.
The MLS Board of Governors approved the deal because the league will pick up $750,000 of Gerrard's deal, the source said.
"

Carlisle also noted that the league was going above and beyond to make sure Gerrard would be heading to America:

LA Galaxy were being touted as one of the front-running outfits to land Gerrard's signature, but Carlisle's report suggests a deal has now been agreed upon.

The move would see Gerrard join up with the Galaxy this summer, seeing through his 18-month, $6 million-a-year contract until the conclusion of the 2016 campaign.

There, he meets up with former Liverpool team-mate Robbie Keane, with whom he may well look to strike up a partnership for MLS defences to fear. James Tyler of ESPN gives his take on the reunion:

LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena already has one of the finest central midfield pairings in the North American ranks with Brazilian duo Marcelo and Juninho operating in fluid fashion.

However, the Mirror's Lars Sivertsen and Richard Farley of This Is Fusion debate that Gerrard will act as a further catalyst to that pair, as opposed to any sort of disruption:

"
@richardfarley It could be argued that the sensible thing to do is to keep the both of them and give Stevie G a free role.
— Lars Sivertsen (@larssivertsen) January 3, 2015"

On the other hand, many are still arguing whether or not this is the right time for Gerrard to leave Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers has begun to utilise the veteran midfielder less and less of late, with his age a factor in the ability he once held to dictate play.

Broadcaster Paul Sarahs hints this may not be the last we see of Gerrard in the Premier League, however:

"
The best bit about Gerrard to the USA is when he signs for Arsenal on loan.
— Paul Sarahs (@PaulSarahs) January 3, 2015"

One thing for certain is that Gerrard will still have much to offer Major League Soccer, with Arena and his LA Galaxy side to be the ones who will benefit.