David Luiz looking for US move, Shawcross on Miami life, Chicharito fails to equal MLS record

Johnnie Victoria
5 May 2021

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernandez (14) reacts after missing a goal opportunity against the Seattle Sounders FC during the second half at Lumen Field.

After three weeks of competitive action, teams are starting to hit their stride in the MLS. Here are the main stories ahead of Gameweek 4...

David Luiz's reps contact unnamed MLS club

David Luiz's contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the season and his representatives have been exploring a potential move to an unnamed MLS side.

While the move would make sense for the 34-year-old Brazilian centre-back, his $140,000 a week wages are likely to be an issue.

Luiz already took a paycut at the start of this season as part of a one year extension deal with the Gunners, so a further reduction might not be on his mind.

However, if he is willing to give up some money to extend his playing career, then a move to the MLS could be on the cards.

Luiz has spent much of his two years at Arsenal injured, but he has featured 62 times for the Gunners. He picked up a hamstring injury against Newcastle United last weekend.

It is believed that Serie A side Lazio are also interested in acquiring his signature.

Ryan Shawcross speaks on his move to Inter Miami

After 14 years with Stoke City, Ryan Shawcross decided to swap the Potteries for Miami earlier this year.

Ryan Shawcross has swapped Stoke for Miami

Signing for David Beckham's Inter Miami CF in February, Shawcross spoke to The Sun about his move away from England along with his return from injury with The Herons.

He said: "Everyone is relaxed because it's hard not to enjoy the weather. The sun always gives you a smile.

"I love England, it will always be home but at this stage of my career, coming to Miami just felt like the right thing to do."

There were question marks over his fitness prior to his move, but Shawcross dismissed these concerns, saying: "I feel fine now, I have had a long period off and the sun definitely helps."

The 33-year-old centre-back broke his leg in a pre-season game before the start of the 2019/20 season and this was followed by subsequent groin and calf problems whenever he tried to make his comeback.

However, Shawcross made his full MLS debut on Sunday and impressed in a 0-0 draw with Nashville SC, coming away with Man of the Match honours. He is likely to line up against Gabriel Heinze's Atlanta this coming weekend in a game the Florida side are 17/20 with bet365 to win.

Chicharito falls short of MLS scoring record

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has enjoyed a flying start to the 2021 MLS season with LA Galaxy.

The Mexican international scored five goals in his first two games, including his first MLS hat-trick against New York Red Bulls in Gameweek 2.

He has also been named MLS Player of the Week and was voted into the MLS Team of the Week for both of the opening weeks.

A goal against the Seattle Sounders in Gameweek 3 would have seen him equal the record of six goals in three games that was previously set by Ante Razov in 1999.

However, the former Manchester United player could not find the back of the net. Neither could his team-mates as the Galaxy fell 3-0 to the Sounders at CenturyLink Field on Sunday night.

The loss saw Galaxy fall to fifth place in the Western Conference, but they are still only one point behind conference leaders Seattle. They face fierce local rivals Los Angeles FC this weekend in a game they are 21/10 to win with bet365.