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San Diego FC’s rumored signing of midfielder Luca de la Torre became a reality on Tuesday, when the Major League Soccer expansion club announced it had acquired the United States national team regular on loan from Spain’s RC Celta de Viga for the 2025 season. The deal includes a purchase option for 2026.
De la Torre, 26, grew up in San Diego and played for the Surf and Nomads club teams. He moved to England at age 15, where he joined Fulham FC’s youth academy. He has played the last six years in England, the Netherlands and Spain.
“We’re thrilled to bring Luca home to San Diego,” said SDFC sporting director Tyler Heaps. “Luca’s journey — competing in some of the world’s top leagues and representing the USMNT — speaks volumes about his dedication and talent. But what makes this moment truly special is that he’s coming home to represent the city that shaped him. We’re excited for him to connect with our fans and community in a meaningful way and play an important role in our historic inaugural season.”
The addition of de la Torre helps fill a hole at central midfield for San Diego FC, which is training ahead of its Feb. 23 debut against the LA Galaxy in Carson. Last week, SDFC announced it had added Finnish midfielder Onni Valakari on loan from Cyprus club Pafos FC. The team was linked to Chula Vista native Paul Arriola earlier this offseason after FC Dallas left him unprotected in the MLS expansion draft. When San Diego did not select him, Dallas traded Arriola to the Seattle Sounders.
San Diego FC’s roster includes two designated players, players whose contracts don’t count against the salary cap: wingers Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and Anders Dreyer. Dreyer, 26, reportedly agreed to a deal with SDFC last week on a transfer from Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League. San Diego is expected to send nearly $5.7 million in transfer fees to Belgium, while Dreyer is expected to sign a three-year contract that Danish website Tipsbladet estimates will be worth $7 million.
De la Torre appeared in 67 matches over the last two seasons with Celta de Vigo, scoring four goals and logging nine assists. Before that, he played for Heracles Almelo in the top Dutch league.
He may best be known for his contributions to the U.S. Men’s National Team. He has made 24 appearances for the senior team, playing in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and last year’s Copa América.
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