Los Angeles, Calif. -- The holiday season keeps on bringing gifts for the LA Galaxy.
Just two weeks removed from the acquisition of 2022 MLS Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes, the Galaxy have continued their defensive rebuild by announcing the signing of free-agent Justin Haak via press release on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Justin Haak is a G.
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 29, 2025
We have signed free-agent midfielder Justin Haak to a one-year guaranteed contract through the end of the 2026 MLS season with a club option for June 2027.
📰: https://t.co/li8UYm2YGi pic.twitter.com/5yYOoFpq7H
The midfielder-turned-center back joins LA on a one-year, guaranteed contract through the end of the 2026 MLS season, with a club option for June 2027.
"We are very excited to welcome Justin to the LA Galaxy," LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz said via press release. "Justin is a positionally versatile player who will be able to contribute in several roles. His growth from Homegrown academy signing to an every-game starter is a testament to his work ethic, his technical ability, and his defensive instincts. We look forward to Justin's contributions to the Galaxy as we continue to put together a competitive squad for the 2026 season."
It remains to be seen how Greg Vanney will utilize Haak. The New York homegrown developed into a fine center back in 2025, but has traditionally been more of a defensive midfielder. His emergence as a defender, however, made him prized this winter window for his multi-faceted skill set.
The 24-year-old was one of the most sought-after free agents available during the off-season, with NYCFC pushing hard to keep him, and several teams, both domestic and from abroad, inquiring about his services. SoccerwiseHQ Co-host Tom Bogert reported that Haak turned down a bigger financial package from NYCFC to join the Galaxy.
His signing marks another coup for Kuntz and his staff, not just for Haak’s well-reported versatility, but for landing the player at his current age, in this current moment, that directly addresses an area of need for LA’s roster.
It’s no secret the Galaxy had to add bite to the back line and a hard spine to a team that’s conceded 183 in MLS play over the past three seasons. Haak should help in that regard, although, just what that means for Maya Yoshida and Zanka's future's in LA is up in the air.
Another huge statement of intent from the Galaxy. After multiple seasons in a row where they conceded 50+ goals, Haak will further fortify a defense already bolstered by the arrival of Jakob Glesnes. What this does for Yoshida and Zanka’s futures remains to be seen, but for the… https://t.co/k2JFrYjFEq
— El Escudero de LA (@ElEscuderoDeLA) December 24, 2025
During the 2025 MLS Regular Season, Haak appeared in 34 matches (34 starts) for NYCFC and was part of a backline that conceded only 44 goals, third fewest in the Eastern Conference. He also scored his first career playoff goal en route to helping New York reach the Eastern Conference Final, where Leo Messi and Inter Miami eliminated them.
The Brooklyn native will get an immediate reunion with his former team.
The Galaxy will open its 2026 campaign at home on February 22 against NYCFC.
Haak will have an instant opportunity to show NYCFC just what they are missing.