Next year, the long-awaited expansion team, San Diego FC, will finally join MLS. As the fourth Californian member of the United States’ top league, San Diego aims to make a strong start as the 30th MLS franchise.
When LAFC entered the league in 2018, they were led by Mexican international Carlos Vela, who excelled both on the field and commercially. San Diego hopes to secure a similarly high-profile star to build momentum for their MLS debut and is reportedly close to two major signings.
“We’re still very active and we’re hopeful to have a significant [player] signing soon,” San Diego CEO Tom Penn stated last week.
San Diego close to signing Chucky Lozano
LAFC made a significant impact by signing a top Mexican international for their debut season, and San Diego is reportedly close to doing the same. The Athletic reports that Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano has agreed to leave PSV Eindhoven at the end of 2024 and join SDFC ahead of the new MLS campaign.
The transfer fee is expected to be around $12 million, potentially setting a new record for many existing MLS teams.
Lozano is one of the most talented Mexican players of his generation, with extensive top-level experience since moving to Europe at 21. He has won three domestic league titles with PSV and Napoli, becoming a key player for the national team.
Will Sergio Ramos move to San Diego?
Another star linked with San Diego is former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain defender Sergio Ramos. He recently completed a LaLiga season with Sevilla, playing 36 games across all competitions, showcasing his enduring quality.
