Andrea Pirlo recently signed a two-year contract extension with Juventus and expressed that he has no desire to leave what he considers the best football league. He also claimed that after two seasons, "maybe" he can go to Major League Soccer.
If the LA Galaxy can manage to sign Pirlo at this stage of his career, it would be a major coup. He would not be a complete replacement for Landon Donovan as Pirlo is far from the greatest of finishers. But his ability to find open teammates and his brilliant tactical play make him one of the most dominant players in the game.
After England's loss to Italy in the 2014 World Cup, the English media stressed that the UK do not have players at the level of a Pirlo or Luis Suarez. His penalty kick against England at Euro 2012, when Italy was down by a goal, was a soft chip that fooled Joe Hart and led to Ashley Young and Ashley Cole nervously missing the marks.
Pirlo has won the World Cup, UEFA Champions League and led Juventus to an undefeated season in 2011-12. There are many in Italy and Spain who believe Pirlo has been snubbed from proper consideration for the Ballon d'Or.
Even though David Beckham and his glamorous life have made him the media darling, Pirlo would bring a new intensity to the Galaxy.to the media as he is blunt and at the same time does not go out of his way to create controversy. He has always maintained a tremendous work ethic and there would be no "loan" deals while he is in MLS.
However if Pirlo is to be a success in the MLS, the time is now. Despite being quite fit, at 35 he is not getting any quicker. As age becomes a factor, he is starting to lose the vision that would make him the best player on the field. In two years Pirlo will still be an intelligent player who can serve as a great teacher to the Galaxy but will not have the same power on the pitch.
Bruce Arena knows that January will be his best bet and Juventus know that it will bring the biggest financial windfall from him. Pirlo currently has one goal in mind, to lift a Champions League for Juventus, and MLS interest will not distract the extreme focus that has made Andrea Pirlo one of the elite footballers of his generation.