LA Galaxy GM Explains Why Coutinho Move Fell Through

Club prioritized assembling full squad quickly over waiting for high-profile signing.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Los Angeles Galaxy's General Manager Will Kuntz addressed the club's failed pursuit of signing Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho. Kuntz explained that while Coutinho was an intriguing target, the Galaxy prioritized bringing their full squad together as soon as possible for the new MLS season rather than waiting on a high-profile signing. The club has already made several roster moves this offseason, including the addition of forward Joao Klauss and other MLS veterans.

Why it matters

Coutinho had been linked with a potential move to the LA Galaxy, which would have been a major signing for the club as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. However, the Galaxy's GM cited the need to get their full squad assembled quickly as the reason they couldn't wait on Coutinho, highlighting the challenges MLS teams face in balancing roster building with the demands of the league calendar.

The details

During an interview, Galaxy GM Will Kuntz acknowledged the club had analyzed Coutinho as a potential signing, saying 'where there's smoke, there's fire.' However, Kuntz explained the team prioritized bringing the full squad together as soon as possible over waiting on a high-profile addition like Coutinho. The Galaxy have already made several roster moves this offseason, including the addition of forward Joao Klauss and other MLS veterans like Jakob Glesnes, Justin Haak, and Erik Thommy.

  • The MLS transfer window remains open until March 26, 2026.
  • The 2026 MLS season has already begun, with teams competing for several weeks.

The players

Will Kuntz

The General Manager of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Philippe Coutinho

A Brazilian midfielder who had been linked with a potential move to the LA Galaxy.

Joao Klauss

A forward who joined the LA Galaxy this offseason from St. Louis.

Greg Vanney

The head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

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What they’re saying

“I can say that where there's smoke, there's fire.”

— Will Kuntz, General Manager (Cobi Club)

“We analyzed many players during this offseason. There were several very interesting and high-level profiles. But the reality is that we wanted to prioritize bringing the group together as soon as possible and having the full squad as soon as possible. That's why we couldn't wait for players who weren't aligned with that objective.”

— Will Kuntz, General Manager (Cobi Club)

What’s next

The LA Galaxy will continue to compete in the 2026 MLS season and Concacaf Champions Cup, with their full roster assembled early in the offseason.

The takeaway

The LA Galaxy's decision to prioritize assembling their full squad quickly over waiting on a high-profile signing like Philippe Coutinho highlights the challenges MLS teams face in balancing roster building with the demands of the league calendar. While Coutinho could have been a marquee addition, the Galaxy opted for stability and cohesion to start the season.