LAFC supporters eagerly await the arrival of their latest signing, Olivier Giroud, to join The Black and Gold. However, the question on everyone’s mind is when exactly the French striker will start leading the line for the team.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s report on April 23, Giroud is set to leave AC Milan as a free agent and sign with LAFC until December 2025. Having scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in Serie A this season across 31 appearances, Giroud’s impressive form has heightened expectations.
The timing of Giroud’s MLS debut is shrouded in uncertainty due to the ongoing Serie A season, although Inter Milan has already clinched the title. Complicating matters further, the 2024 UEFA Euro Championship is scheduled to take place from June 14 to July 14. ESPN has reported that Giroud will only join LAFC after the conclusion of the international tournament.
Considering France’s status as one of the favorites to win Euro 2024, it adds another layer of complexity to Giroud’s availability. France will face Poland, Netherlands, and Austria in Group D. If all goes well, the runner-up of the 2022 FIFA World Cup should progress to the knockout stages.
France’s final group stage match will be held at Westfalenstadion, Borussia Dortmund’s home ground, on June 25. In the event that Les Bleus fail to advance, Giroud could potentially make his debut in El Trafico against LA Galaxy on July 4. However, if France progresses, this scenario becomes less likely.
Once the knockout stages begin, the situation becomes more uncertain. If France tops Group D, they will face the second-place team from Group F on July 2. If they advance to the quarter-finals, the match will be on July 6. The semi-final will take place on July 10, with the final scheduled for July 14. It becomes challenging to determine the timeline for Giroud’s debut if France exits the tournament early.
If France reaches the final, there will be an additional week’s delay, and Giroud will require time to integrate with the squad. Fans hope that he will be ready to make his LAFC debut against the Seattle Sounders on July 20, and there is also anticipation for his potential Leagues Cup debut against Club Tijuana on July 26.