The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has won three MLS Cup titles and an MVP award since arriving in LA in August 2011, but a difficult 2016 campaign suggests that he could be set to move on this coming winter.
LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane has told MLSSoccer.com that he is “100 percent” confident he will be playing in MLS next season.
Keane, 36, has been one of the most consistent strikers in MLS since joining the Galaxy from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2011, scoring 92 goals in 146 league appearances while also winning the 2014 MVP award and making the end-of-season Best XI on four occasions.
However, the veteran Irishman, who has helped LA clinch three MLS Cup titles, has struggled with injuries this term and recently found himself relegated to a substitute role behind Alan Gordon due to the team’s improved performances when Giovani dos Santos is playing alongside a target man.
He still managed to finish the regular season with a solid strike record, hitting 10 goals in 17 games, but the former Republic of Ireland international failed to make an impact off the bench in three playoff appearances as Bruce Arena’s men were knocked out by the Colorado Rapids on penalties in the Western Conference semi-finals following a 1-1 aggregate draw over the two legs and extra-time.
With attention now turning to his future, the ex-Liverpool forward’s contract is set to expire at the end of December, and having still not held talks with the front office over a new deal, rumours have been rife that his successful spell at the StubHub Center could soon be coming to an end.
Nevertheless, even if he does not return to the Galaxy next year, the well-travelled front man insists that he will be staying in MLS rather than heading back to Europe or even hanging up his boots.
“I’ll be playing next year, somewhere,” Keane told MLSSoccer.com following the penalty shootout defeat at Colorado. “Whether that’s here or somewhere else I’ll 100% be playing in the league [MLS].”
One Galaxy player who is unlikely to be staying in the US, though, is Steven Gerrard.
Like his former Liverpool teammate, the 36-year-old midfielder’s contract is coming to an end in a couple of months’ time and no negotiations have taken place over a possible extension.
The ex-England skipper has also failed to impress for LA over recent months while batting a nagging calf injury and only started two of their final 10 regular season games before being restricted to just one 44-minute substitute appearance in the playoffs.
Reports have suggested that he could be set to retire and return to Liverpool to join Jurgen Klopp’s backroom staff, but there have also been rumblings that the Reds legend is open to offers to extend his playing career [h/t ESPN FC].
Regardless of what course of action he ultimately takes, though, few people expect him to be back at the Galaxy for the 2017 campaign, leaving the club facing plenty of questions heading into the offseason.
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