San Diego FC has made a groundbreaking move by announcing Mexican winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano as their first Designated Player signing, signaling a new era for the MLS expansion team. With Lozano currently playing for PSV Eindhoven, he will join San Diego FC in January 2025 after completing his contract with the Eredivisie team through 2024. The club’s decision to secure Lozano’s talents for the upcoming season has generated excitement and anticipation among fans and staff alike.
As a player with an impressive track record at both the club and international level, Lozano brings a wealth of experience and skill to San Diego FC. In his statement upon joining the team, he expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the club’s historic journey and his commitment to making a positive impact in MLS. With his two option years extending beyond the 2028 season, Lozano’s presence is expected to elevate the team’s performance and attract attention to the league as a whole.
San Diego FC owner, Sir Mohamed Mansour, highlighted the significance of Lozano’s signing as a testament to the club’s vision and commitment to fostering talent. The Egyptian billionaire emphasized the parallels between Lozano’s rise from Pachuca, Mexico, to global recognition and the opportunities provided by the Right to Dream Academy. With plans to empower youth players from diverse backgrounds, the club aims to inspire the next generation of talent in San Diego and beyond.
Lozano’s arrival at San Diego FC marks a pivotal moment in the team’s development, following the signings of goalkeeper Duran Ferree, Jeppe Tverskov, and Marcus Ingvartsen. While Tverskov and Ingvartsen bring their expertise from FC Nordsjælland, Ferree’s loan to USL Championship’s Orange County SC demonstrates the club’s commitment to nurturing talent at all levels. With an impending announcement of a head coach and sporting director, San Diego FC is poised to build a strong foundation for success in the upcoming season.
San Diego FC’s ownership group reflects a diverse and inclusive approach to team management, with stakeholders including the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, San Diego Padres infielder Manny Machado, Zephyr Partners’ Brad Termini, and the Right to Dream’s Tom Vernon and Dan Dickinson. Led by Mansour’s Man Capital firm, the club’s affiliation with the Right to Dream academy system underscores its commitment to developing young talent and creating opportunities for players from various regions.
The integration of the Right to Dream academy alongside San Diego FC’s training facilities symbolizes a new era of innovation in player development. With plans for state-of-the-art facilities near the U.S.-Mexico border, the academy aims to attract top prospects from both countries and provide them with world-class training opportunities. Under the leadership of Vernon, the San Diego academy is poised to set a new standard for excellence in youth development within the MLS.
The addition of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano to San Diego FC represents a significant milestone in the club’s journey towards success in MLS. Through his talent, experience, and commitment to excellence, Lozano has the potential to inspire a new generation of players and elevate the team to new heights. With a focus on inclusive leadership and innovative academy development, San Diego FC is poised to make a lasting impact in the league and beyond.
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