Marco Reus close to LA Galaxy deal: What are MLS discovery rights?

Marco Reus is set to move MLS after the expiration of his Borussia Dortmund contract this summer, with LA Galaxy now looking like the most likely destination.

The 35-year-old has made 429 appearances for his hometown team, most recently featuring in Saturday’s Champions League final against Real Madrid. Earlier this year he announced that he would be leaving Dortmund and rumours of a move to MLS have persisted.

The Athletic reports that LA Galaxy are poised to sign Reus on a free transfer, despite the fact that the club’s three Designated Player spots are already filled by Riqui Puig, Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec.

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Without signing a DP contract Reus’ maximum LA Galaxy salary would be $1.7 million, although he is unlikely to be short on money after a career at the top table of European soccer. Reus is thought to be keen on a move to Los Angeles, but the MLS club need to find a solution to the player’s current discovery rights situation.

How do MLS discovery rights work?

While the prospect of holding ‘discovery rights’ on a 48-cap German international may seem strange, MLS rules dictate that teams can place a claim on prospective signings entering the league. In a bid to prevent teams competing for players - pushing up transfer fees and salaries - the discovery list is designed to restrict the number of suitors for a player.

In the case of Reus, however, his discovery rights are currently held by Charlotte FC. The player seems unconvinced by a move to North Carolina and favours the Galaxy, meaning that the LA club must now come to a deal with Charlotte to take his discovery rights.

MLS rules dictate that teams may offer “$50,000 in General Allocation Money in exchange for the right to sign the player”, a not insignificant amount in a league with such stringent spending restrictions. However, in the case of a global star like Reus, Charlotte may demand more.

After a gruelling European season Reus will likely need a break and MLS’ secondary transfer window does not open until 18 July. There will be talks ongoing between the player, LA Galaxy and Charlotte to find a resolution to the discovery rights situation but, at this stage, it looks like he will be the latest superstar to opt for a move to Los Angeles.