Joseph Paintsil has agreed to a £7 million move to LA Galaxy, months after admitting that he had rejected down Championship clubs Leeds United and Southampton.
In actuality, The Saints may have only themselves to blame for missing out on the KRC Genk talisman in the summer of 2023.
Joseph Paintsil observed how poorly Southampton handled the adaptation of his former Genk teammate Paul Onuachu, who was prolific in Belgium but starved for playing time at St Mary’s, so who could blame the winger for saying ‘thanks but no thanks’?
Joseph Paintsil rejected both Leeds and Southampton.
“There were many possibilities,” Paintsil told Het Laatste Nieuws after the transfer market closed in September 2023. He had also rejected down another Championship giant, Leeds United.
“When my agent informed me that I could join Southampton and Leeds United, it was clear to me that I did not want to leave Genk for those clubs.
“Look, each player has specific expectations. My goal is to one day play in the Premier League. Or at least in the top five European leagues.
“I don’t want to say that Southampton and Leeds are bad teams, but they couldn’t convince me.”
Paintsil, presumably, believes that a trip across the Atlantic will allow him to fulfill his ‘dream’ of representing a club in one of Europe’s top divisions. The 26-year-old Ghana international has signed a contract with the LA Galaxy of the American MLS, seven months after turning down offers from Leeds and Southampton.
With Leeds and Southampton both in strong contention for an immediate return to the Premier League, the former having won eight games in a row prior to Friday’s crucial clash with league leaders Leicester City, it appears that Daniel Farke’s side or Russell Martin’s Saints will be in England’s top flight far sooner than Paintsil.
Genk star relocates to America.
“Joseph has been a crucial player of one of the strongest clubs in Belgium’s top flight and one of Africa’s most notable national teams in recent years. And we are happy to announce that he is joining the LA Galaxy,” general manager Will Kuntz told the club’s official website. Paintsil is allegedly the club’s second-most expensive signing ever.
“We are looking forward to adding such a dynamic attacker in the prime of his career to our group, and for him to be a key figure in our pursuit of our next trophies.”
Paintsil had an incredible 18 goals and 14 assists for Genk in 2022/23.
Leeds are stacked with quality in the offensive midfield positions, with Crysencio Summerville, Daniel James, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter, and a rejuvenated Willy Gnonto all capable of playing one of the three spots behind the centre-forward.
