Sacha Kljestan reportedly set for LA Galaxy move

Sacha Kljestan may have found his new home with the LA Galaxy. Soccer by Ives is reporting that Kljestan will join the Galaxy on loan and could make the move permanent for next season.

Kljestan is in search of a new club because he has been left on the outs at Anderlecht. He played sparingly in the run-in last season and doesn't figure to be a key part of their plans for next season.

According to the report, Kljestan would not count as a Designated Player for LA because it is a six-month loan and his salary would be pro-rated, but that cannot happen. MLS doesn't budget that way and if he is on DP-level wages, signing him for half of the season doesn't change his status.

More likely, the Galaxy would pay down Kljestan's cap hit with allocation. Doing so for half a season is much more manageable for the entire season, and if they can pay down that cap hit, he won't count as a DP. LA has already used all three of their DP spots so signing Kljestan as a DP is not possible.

After the season, the current MLS CBA expires and the next one is expected to include an increase in DP spots, as well as a much higher salary cap. When that comes into effect, LA may be able to buy Kljestan outright and either make him a DP or, depending on the new DP threshold, sign him as a regular player.

Kljestan didn't have a chance at the United States World Cup team after being glued to the bench at Anderlecht down the stretch. He had an uphill climb to make the squad, but could have at least given himself a chance in training camp. At 28 years old, it's unlikely that Kljestan makes the 2018 World Cup team, but it's not totally out of the question and he can certainly be helpful in the Gold Cup, Copa America or qualifying so getting to LA and playing time could be big for both him and the U.S.