UPDATE: JANUARY 17, 2016

More reports are surfacing regarding Gregor Breinburg and the LA Galaxy. And some of them are saying that NEC, Breinburg’s current team, aren’t happy with the offers they’re receiving from the Galaxy nor are they happy that the negotiations are taking so long, according to an article in Voetbal International.

Gregor Breinburg dreigt een transfer van Nijmegen naar Los Angeles mis te lopen. NEC wil een beter bod. https://t.co/O2wJQBaRqK — VI (@VI_nl) January 17, 2017

With the help of google translate, Technical Manager Edwin de Kruijff has expressed some frustration with how long the process is taking. Apparently, the negotiations have taken over a month and NEC are growing thin on patience. Plus, it seems that NEC are adamant that they find a suitable replacement for the 25-year old Breingburg before the deal is completed.

For their part, the Galaxy are in desperate need of some signings. And NEC may be in a position to hold LA to the fire over the transfer of Breinburg. And while most would still categorize this deal as being close to being done, there is a chance it could still fall through.

But the LA Times’ Kevin Baxter, while at MLS Media Day, did get to talk with someone who has played with Breinburg. According to the Chicago Fire’s Michael de Leeuw, “He’s like a younger Nigel De Jong. He looks like him.”

Chicago Fire's Michael de Leeuw on Gregor Breinberg, who he played w/in Holland: "He’s like a younger Nigel De Jong. He looks like him." — Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) January 17, 2017

"He’s a good guy. He’s a leader. He’s got the whole package, He’s not very big but he’s strong." Said Gregor will fit in well in w #LAGalaxy — Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) January 17, 2017

“He’s a good guy. He’s a leader. He’s got the whole package. He’s not very big, but he’s strong.”

So that’s what the Galaxy have to look forward to if they can complete this deal.

We’ll continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

Original Story Below

Gregor Breinburg could be the first piece of the LA Galaxy’s midfield puzzle to be completed. Kevin Baxter had reported earlier this week that the team was close to signing the Aruban National Team midfielder and after a recent NEC game (where Breinburg is the captain) he said that it is very likely that he’ll be joining the LA Galaxy.

Gregor Breinburg tells TV he doesn't expect to be in Netherlands for Dutch team's next game.Expect him to join #LAGalaxy midweek — Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) January 16, 2017

Breinburg is a 25-year old central midfielder who was named the captain of NEC, who play in the Dutch Eredivisie. He’s mostly known for his smart, physical play and may shade himself more toward the defensive side of the ball — something the Galaxy lost when Dutch Midfielder, Nigel de Jong, left the team for a move to Galatasaray. And as his team’s captain, he may also provide some leadership to a team that may be lacking that.

Midfield seems to be the main focus for the club and Breinburg is one of the many players who are linked to the team. Also on that list are Villarreal Midfielder, Jonathan dos Santos, and Olympique Marseille midfielder, Romain Alessandrini. Jermaine Jones should also be added to the list of potential midfield signings, with the Galaxy apparently very close on signing him as well.

And while the timing doesn’t look right for Jonathan dos Santos, Breinburg could be in Los Angeles by the end of the week, if all the rumors are to be believed. Which is very important for a team that starts preseason on January 23rd.

Currently, the Galaxy have 20 players on their roster. With Jones a likely possibility to be the 21st player, the team would still need to add nine more players for the MLS maximum.

If Breinburg is the first player to be signed then that could shift the focus to the wings — as the LA Galaxy really only have Emmanuel Boateng as a pure winger (even though he was converted from a forward). Lletget can play there, as can Gyasi Zardes and Giovani dos Santos, but the Galaxy have continually stated that they expect Zardes and dos Santos to be the starting forwards.

Many are expecting an announcement on the Breingburg signing to come by the end of the week. If that happens, it would be the first major signing for the Galaxy in the 2017 offseason. And it would come on the heels of an exodus of sorts, with Robbie Keane (Contract Not Extended), Steven Gerrard (Contract Not Extended), Landon Donovan (Free Agent, linked with Real Salt Lake), Mike Magee (Retired), Leonardo (Re-Entry Draft), and AJ DeLaGarza (Traded) all not coming back in 2017. Even Alan Gordon (Free Agent) has been linked with another team.

GREGOR BREINBURG:

Born: September 16, 1991 (age 25), Arnhem, Netherlands

Height: 5′ 9″

Weight: 157 lbs

Current team: N.E.C. (#34 / Midfielder)

Date joined: 2014 (N.E.C.)

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