Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Tom Bogert Offers LA Galaxy Transfer Update Amid Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 10:00 PM ET

The LA Galaxy has been involved in multiple transfer rumors in recent days, ranging from the possible arrival of Manchester United's Casemiro to the potential departure of one of its designated players.

Regarding the latter, The Athletic's Tom Bogert moved to deny reports suggesting an alleged interest from European clubs in designated player winger Joseph Paintsil.

According to SportsBoom, the Los Angeles Galaxy rejected offers from French Ligue 1 clubs for Paintsil, 28, and now Turkish side Trabzonspor leads the race to sign the Ghanaian.

It should be noted that the winter transfer window for the 2025-26 season in the Turkish Super League closes on Feb. 6, 2026, after other European leagues.

None of this is true. Again. Neither was napoli/denkey. And plenty of other nonsense.

Hope this helps
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 4, 2026

However, Bogert responded to this information bluntly. He said, "None of this is true. Again. Neither was Napoli/Denkey. And plenty of other nonsense. Hope this helps."

Joseph Paintsil #28 of Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates his goal against Minnesota United during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 18, 2025, in Carson, California. Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Big Boost for LA Galaxy Ahead of the 2026 MLS Season

With Riqui Puig out for another season, keeping Paintsil off the radar of European clubs is good news for the Galaxy.

It was evident that the Los Angeles club did not construct its squad well to handle the absence of the Catalan midfielder, as it went from being champion in 2024 to one of the worst teams in 2025, finishing second-to-last (14th) in the Western Conference.

Now, the club's board has done better by adding Joao Klauss, Jakob Glesnes, Justin Haak, Erik Thommy, and re-signing Matheus Nascimento on loan.

Of course, it is aware that keeping its best players, like Marco Reus, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, is equally important. And it did a good job in that regard.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: