L.A. Galaxy finalizing stunning defensive makeover for 2026 MLS campaign

Kuntz isn't wrong; Glesnes was a key part of both of Philadelphia's Supporters' Shield victories in 2020 and 2025. He won the MLS Defender of the Year Award in 2022 and earned a spot in the league's Best XI in 2025. 

At 31 years old, he's not exactly a hungry young prospect, but Glesnes' deep MLS experience should bring stability and competence to the Galaxy's back line. He should bring some consistency, too; Glesnes played in 31 of Philadelphia's 34 games in 2025 and managed 400 more minutes of play than the Galaxy's most reliable defenders did.

Justin Haak, NYCFC

Glesnes' MLS legend is such that his arrival alone would've constituted a major defensive rebuild for the Galaxy. But GM Will Kuntz wasn't finished. He had his eye on someone else: free agent Justin Haak.

Haak was, and remains, an interesting case. He joined NYCFC in 2019 as a homegrown signing and spent his first few seasons toiling under the radar and learning the ropes of professional play. He broke out in 2025 under the guidance of NYCFC coach Pascal Jansen and made waves for his reliability and versatility. 

Whether he was played as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder, a full back or a center back, Haak was aggressive, intelligent and eager to do what was best for the team. When NYCFC made it to the Eastern Conference Final against the odds, it was Haak who got it there. (It was also Haak who scored NYCFC's consolation goal in that final.)

When Haak's negotiations with NYCFC stalled out in the winter, he quickly became one of the league's most fascinating free agents. His deal with the Galaxy is not yet official, but his endless adaptability makes him a perfect fit for the team. Wherever it needs him, Haak can deliver. 

The Galaxy of 2025 looked unredeemable. The Galaxy of 2026 look unbelievable. It's taken a while to get here, but the team is finally back to making championship-caliber roster decisions.