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Do the Galaxy have their man in Chris Birchall?
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After spending several weeks training with the team, Trinidad & Tobago midfielder Chris Birchall has reached a deal to join the Los Angeles Galaxy. Or he hasn't. It depends on who you are talking to and which media source you believe.
Birchall himself told the Trinidad & Tobago Express that he had accepted a four-year deal with the club, and was looking forward to taking the field with the team in early July. But a Galaxy representative quickly told Goal.com that "we have not signed Birchall."
Here's what is likely happening: Birchall and the Galaxy have reached a deal on principle for a four-year deal. But he can't officially sign the contract until his current contract with Brighton ends next month. So, we have this weird waiting period where everyone knows that Birchall will be joining the team in July, but the team can't announce it yet. Hence the wordplay about how the Galaxy haven't "signed" Birchall yet, without any mention if a verbal deal has been reached.
(Of course, it doesn't help that the Galaxy is notoriously tight-lipped about everything to do with the team; they would probably issue a "no comment" if you asked them to confirm or deny that the Home Depot Center is in Carson.)
Birchall has been training with the Galaxy, but has left to join the Trinidad & Tobago team in advance of their World Cup Qualifying match against Costa Rica on June 6. He had previously played with lower-level English sides Brighton and Port Vale.
What does Birchall potentially bring to the team? A holding midfield presence that has been desperately lacking all season, a big factor in their run of draws and missed opportunities. It's hard to take advantage of the other side being a man down if you can't retain possession of the ball. And while some might question bringing on a player from a lower-level side, Birchall is a veteran of international competition, and he might have the skill set to fill a major gap for the team.
Want to know what you're getting, Galaxy fans? Check out this compilation of Birchall highlights:
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