The LA Galaxy announced on Tuesday that the club has reached an agreement with Brazilian club São Paulo FC that will allow midfielder Juninho to return to the Galaxy on loan for the 2012 MLS season.
Additionally, the Galaxy have completed the signing of former São Paulo defender Leonardo, who joins the club permanently on a free transfer. Juninho and Leonardo each played for the Galaxy during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, helping the club repeat as Supporters’ Shield winners and win their third MLS Cup last season. Per club and league policy, terms of the contracts, were not disclosed.
Juninho, who is scheduled to return to Southern California next week ahead of the Galaxy’s preseason trip to Arizona, was an All-Star for the Galaxy last season and has been an ever-present force in the center of the Galaxy midfield over the past two seasons, starting 55 regular-season games as well as six of the club’s seven postseason matches. One of the breakout stars in MLS last season, the 23-year-old appeared in and started 30 regular-season games for the Galaxy, scoring four goals and adding two assists while combining with David Beckham in the central midfield.
But according to São Paulo FC spokesman Felipe Espindola, manager Emerson Leão determined there would be no room for Juninho on the squad this season due to the number of midfielders currently on the roster. It was judged to be best for the player to arrange for a return to LA.
“Juninho is not going to be utilized at São Paulo [this season] per the coach’s decision and the club is accepting the loan deal for Juninho’s return to Los Angeles to play for the Galaxy,” Espindola told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday.
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