Jalen Neal started his Galaxy journey in the Academy at the U-13 level, eventually climbing to the first team in 2023.
Monday, Neal’s time with the club came to an end as the Galaxy traded the 21-year-old defender to CF Montreal for $650,000 in General Allocation Money and a 2025 international roster spot. The Galaxy will receive $450,000 in GAM for 2025 and $200,000 for 2026.
The move should give the Galaxy some much-needed salary cap relief ahead of the 2025 season.
Neal, a Lakewood native, made his professional debut with Galaxy II at 16 years old in the 2020 season. He signed a Homegrown contract in 2021. He’s been a member of the league’s top under-22 player list for both the 2023 and 2024 season.
“Jalen exemplifies what it means to be an LA Galaxy Academy graduate, both as a professional and as a person,” General Manager Will Kuntz said in a statement. “His progression from the Academy, to Galaxy II, to debuting with the Senior U.S. Men’s National Team, to being on the field for the final whistle of the MLS Cup final, speaks volumes to the potential of the Galaxy’s professional development pathway.
“His devotion to his local community and active engagement in service at such a young age is an even greater testament to the special character and human being that he is. We are indescribably proud of everything that Jalen has done for the Galaxy and for Los Angeles and wish him the greatest success as he takes the next step in his already remarkable career.”
Neal, who was entering the final year of his contract, will sign a new three-year contract with Montreal, with an option for 2028. The Galaxy will receive a “a sell-on percentage of the transfer fee if Neal is sold to another club” from Montreal.
Over the second half of the season, Neal had been replaced by Emiro Garces at center back. As of Monday, the Galaxy is still in discussions with Maya Yoshida and is nearing a deal with Danish center back Zanka Jorgensen.
Just how different the Galaxy will look before the season kicks off next month is the question. Dejan Joveljc, who was signed to the U22 Initiative slot, turns 26, making him ineligible to retain that designation, leading to a higher budget charge.
“Jalen fits the profile of the modern defender we wanted to add to our squad, being technically talented, quick and versatile,” CF Montréal President and CEO Gabriel Gervais said. “Despite his young age, he already has significant MLS and international experience. We are convinced that he will help us improve our defense this season and for the future.”