LA Galaxy is putting their future in the hands of an unproven talent | OneFootball

LA Galaxy didn't waste time in this transfer season and signed a name that could be a game-changer for the 2025 MLS campaign. Young Botafogo-trained forward Matheus Nascimento is signed on loan until 2025 with an option to purchase. He is just 20 years old and carries the tag of a Brazilian prospect.

What can Matheus Nascimento do for LA Galaxy?

It has become an annual tradition for MLS teams to sign young Brazilian forwards. Young Brazilian players who depart Brazil too soon have a unique technical skill set, but their success depends on how well they adapt to the fast, physical brand of soccer played in North America.

Nascimento was part of the squad that won the 2024 Copa Libertadores, something that would be valuable for a team like Galaxy, who will also be competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

His greatest strength is versatility. He can play both as a second forward and as a mobile striker, and therefore, he will be a valuable asset to a team that lost Dejan Joveljić, who was traded to Sporting Kansas City. And, to boot, being able to play with Riqui Puig, Marco Reus, and Gabriel Pec should make it easier for him to adapt because they are players who are smart about space and can improve his game.

Rebuilding LA Galaxy's attack

LA Galaxy is not relying on Matheus Nascimento to fix their attacking problems. The team also brought in Christian Ramírez, who has played in MLS before, and has Miguel Berry as a reserve. The challenge will be balancing the three appropriately, especially after Joveljić departed.

The absence of the Serbian winger created a gap in Galaxy's offense, and the coach is thus faced with an intriguing decision: Does Matheus start right away, or will he take some time to acclimate? Adjustment may be tough for a 20-year-old.

On top of that, the team has another issue, midfield general Riqui Puig is recovering from an ACL injury. That means Galaxy will start the season without their key playmaker. Without Puig, the team might struggle to create chances, which in turn could have a direct impact on a young striker like Matheus.

The pressure of playing for LA Galaxy

Donning the Galaxy jersey is to be anticipated. This is a club that has ever accommodated star players and is yet to find the glamour of their years. Adding stars such as Marco Reus has brought the quality of the team higher, but it has also increased the expectation of victory.

Matheus Nascimento will come under immense scrutiny. MLS has built South American targets but also endured through a lot of other young ones breaking down.

Brazilian forward is coming through the U22 Initiative, which rewards clubs for bringing in youth. But even just because he's under the program doesn't guarantee his transition will be smooth. The pressure will be high, and if results are not swift, patience could run thin.

A promising signing, but no guarantees

LA Galaxy rolled the dice when they signed Matheus Nascimento, but the truth is that he remains a risk. His talent is clear, and playing for Brazil's youth national teams shows what he can do, but adapting to MLS soccer is never guaranteed.

If well crafted, he can be a backbone to Galaxy's future. But if things do not turn out right, the club may choose not to take up the buy option and pursue another line of action.

His performance within the first several months will help determine his future. MLS 2025 is set to open on February 23, a Galaxy's home opener against San Diego FC. An opener in a derby match to a season is the best stage for Matheus Nascimento to stake his claim, or the first stern test in an extended transition process.