Reportedly: MLS Clubs Eyeing Move for Gautier Lloris After BMO Chaos
Reinforcements Needed? Rumors Swirl Around Lloris' Brother
The chaotic scenes at BMO Stadium on Sunday, highlighted by a nightmare Reid Roberts own goal that briefly gave LAFC life in a 4-1 loss to San Jose, have reportedly accelerated interest in defensive reinforcements across the league. According to multiple sources, several MLS clubs have made formal enquiries regarding the availability of French defender Gautier Lloris. The younger brother of LAFC star Hugo Lloris is currently playing for Le Havre in Ligue 1, but with his contract entering its final stages, a move to the United States is becoming increasingly plausible.
A Defensive Anchor for the Summer Window?
The rumor comes at a fascinating time for MLS defenses. Sunday's match between LAFC and San Jose featured two own goals—one by Porteous and the other by Roberts—underscoring a night where even the top teams in the West struggled with defensive cohesion. While San Jose remains at the top of the table with a 7-1-0 record, the own goal by Roberts in the 74th minute was a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar night. For LAFC, the defensive collapse was more systemic, leading to speculation that they might be one of the clubs looking at Gautier Lloris to partner with his brother and shore up a backline that has conceded six goals in its last two matches.
Gautier Lloris, 30, would bring significant experience to the league. Standing at 6'3", he offers the aerial presence and ball-playing ability that modern MLS managers crave. If a deal were to be struck, it would likely take place during the summer transfer window, providing a boost for the second half of the season and the MLS Cup Playoffs. The prospect of two Lloris brothers anchoring the same team—or facing off in a high-stakes derby—has already captured the imagination of fans across the league.
Analyzing the Market
The interest in Lloris highlights a growing trend of MLS teams targeting experienced European defenders to stabilize their rosters. With the 2026 World Cup break approaching in late May, teams are eager to finalize their scouting reports and prepare for a flurry of activity. San Jose, despite their current success, is always looking for depth, and Bruce Arena has never been shy about adding veteran talent to a young squad. However, given their current form and the emergence of Reid Roberts (despite his Sunday gaffe), the Earthquakes may prioritize other areas.
Wait and See
As of now, these reports remain unconfirmed, but the smoke is starting to billow. With Hugo Lloris already a marquee name in Los Angeles, the infrastructure is in place for Gautier to make a smooth transition to North American soccer. Whether he lands with the Black and Gold or another ambitious club, his arrival would signal another step forward for the league's defensive standards. For now, fans will have to watch the highlights of Sunday’s defensive errors and wonder if a Lloris-shaped solution is on the horizon.
