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Here's when Olivier Giroud could make his LAFC debut

  • Giroud will reportedly join LAFC after competing in the 2024 UEFA Euro Championship.
  • LAFC reportedly signed Giroud through Dec. 2025.
  • The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has 21 G/A for Milan this season.

By Max Mallow

Olivier Giroud is moving to the west coast in the summer, but when will he make his debut?
Olivier Giroud is moving to the west coast in the summer, but when will he make his debut? / Marco Canoniero/GettyImages
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LAFC fans can't wait for their newest signing to join up with The Black and Gold, but when exactly will the Frenchman start to lead the line?

Fabrizio Romano first reported Apr. 23 that Giroud would leave AC Milan as a free agent and sign with LAFC until Dec. 2025. The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has scored 13 goals and netted eight assists in Serie A this season across 31 appearances.

There are questions around when Giroud will make his MLS debut considering the Serie A season is still ongoing, though the title race is over with Inter Milan lifting the Scudetto early. Not to mention, the 2024 UEFA Euro Championship takes place June 14 through July 14. ESPN reported that Giroud won't join up with LAFC until after the international competition.

France v Chile - International Friendly
Giroud is the top goal scorer in French history with 57 goals. / Christian Liewig - Corbis/GettyImages

Here's when Olivier Giroud could make his LAFC debut

France is one of the favorites to win Euro 2024 adding a further complexity to when Giroud will start leading the line for LAFC. France faces off against Poland, Netherlands and Austria in Group D. The 2022 FIFA World Cup runner-up should advance all things considered.

France's last group stage match will take place at Westfalenstadion, the home of Borussia Dortmund, on June 25. If things go terribly for Les Bleus and France don't advance to the knockouts, the stars could align for Giroud to make his debut in El Trafico on July 4 against LA Galaxy. If France advance, that dream will quickly fade away.

Once we get into the knockout stages, things become murkier. If France wins Group D, they would play the second-place team from Group F on July 2. If Les Bleus move on to the quarter-finals, they play again on July 6. France's semi-final would be July 10, and the final is set for July 14. Timelines for debuting after an early knockout stage exit are difficult to decipher.

If France advances to the final, a full week delay gets added on. And, it'll take Giroud time to integrate with the squad. Fans hope Giroud will at least be ready for Seattle Sounders on July 20, but a Leagues Cup debut against Club Tijuana on July 26 also is a date to watch.