The LA Galaxy today announced the signing for forward Edson Buddle on a free transfer from Ingolstadt 04. Buddle spent the last year with the Bundesliga 2 side after leaving MLS in January of 2011. Buddle left on a free transfer and the Galaxy made the required qualifying offer after his contract expired so they held “first right of refusal” when he decided to return to the league.
Buddle, 30, scored 42 goals in 87 regular season appearances for the Galaxy from 2007-2010, finishing third in MLS in scoring in 2008 and second in the League in 2010, with a career-high 17 goals. He was the club’s top scorer or second leading scorer every season with the Galaxy after joining them in a trade with Toronto FC for Tyrone Marshall in June of 2007.
“I am thrilled to be able to return to MLS and a club that has meant so much to me in my career,” Buddle said. “When I left for Germany last winter, I said that I hoped to be able to one day return to the Galaxy and help lead the club to an MLS Cup championship. That day is today and I look forward to the challenges that now lie ahead.”
Buddle is the only player in MLS history with 40 or more goals for two different clubs. In 10 season in MLS, he has scored 90 goals in 231 regular season games, making him the eighth leading goal scorer in League history.
“We’re really excited to have Edson re-joining the LA Galaxy,” General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena said. “He has been an outstanding player for us in the past and we look forward to him continuing that success for many years to come.”
Per club and league policy terms of the contract were not disclosed. Buddle will join the Galaxy once the club receives his International Transfer Certificate.
