Massive Setback For Olivier Giroud & France As AC Milan Star Agrees MLS Move To LAFC

Having finished runner-up last season, LAFC is yet to hit the stride of this campaign and is 7th on the table. However, they have received the spark they needed as serial winner Olivier Giroud is set to join their side. The Frenchman who helped AC Milan win Serie A will hope to work his magic in the MLS. While LAFC supporters are ecstatic at the news, it could be a huge blow for the French soccer team.

Previously, there were rumors that Olivier Giroud would participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The under-23 side led by Thierry Henry could choose 3 overage players and the rumor mill was that Giroud and Mbappe were among the chosen 3. However, with the move to LAFC, the striker’s hopes have all but vanished. The reason is LA Galaxy’s participation in the Leagues Cup.

The Olympic Games will take place from July 26 until August 11. In this period, LA Galaxy will play two Leagues Cup matches. Hence, it is unlikely that the club would want to relinquish their star signing for the games. Even if Olivier Giroud tries to force his hand, the situation will remain the same. That is because the Olympics are not considered an ‘international’ competition by FIFA. Hence, the final decision remains with the club, in this case LAFC.

Speaking of LAFC, the club faced stiff competition from Saudi sides for the Frenchman’s signature. In fact, it was reported by Fabrizio Romano that Olivier Giroud had ‘higher‘ proposals on the table. However, his preference was LAFC and a French connection proved pivotal.

Hugo Lloris played a key role in bringing Olivier Giroud to LAFC

Hugo Lloris is no stranger to the AC Milan attacker’s on-field skills and qualities. The two lifted the World Cup in 2018 and have been fierce rivals in the Premier League. Previous reports stated that the goalkeeper was persuading Olivier Giroud to make the jump. Like Giroud, Lloris also had other offers but chose LAFC because of their impressive squad. The goalkeeper had said, “When you add Giorgio and Gareth, and, because I’m French, Denis [Bouanga], it’s like, ‘Oh, this club is really interesting.’ And also they won very fast.”

Also, unlike many other stars, Olivier Giroud arrives in the MLS in prime form and fitness. There is a case that the striker is AC Milan’s best player this season. The stats don’t lie, as with 13 league goals, the 2018 World Cup winner is AC Milan’s leading goalscorer. For LAFC fans, the hope would be that Giroud makes a seamless transition and continues doing what he does best.