MLS
New MLS franchise want to sign LaLiga and USMNT star
San Diego FC are offering the Celta Vigo man the opportunity to play for his hometown team.
Luca de la Torre is expected to receive medical clearance within the next week. The American midfielder has been participating fully in Celta’s recent training sessions, indicating he has recovered from the right ankle injury that sidelined him for two months.
During his time away, the Californian has had the opportunity to reflect on an important decision regarding the upcoming winter transfer window. San Diego FC, Major League Soccer’s newest franchise, remain keen on recruiting him as part of their ambitious project and continue to await clarity on his future plans.
Both San Diego FC and Celta are eager for resolution. Celta, in particular, face a pressing need to trim their roster in January. De la Torre, who was left out of coach Claudio Giráldez’s plans last summer, is the only player in Celta’s squad who has yet to log any official minutes this season.
While he could feature in the next round of the Copa del Rey, his chances of becoming a regular under the coach appear slim. With a contract in Vigo running until 2026 and the U.S.-hosted World Cup just over a year and a half away, a departure from Celta seems increasingly likely. The main question is: where will he go?
De la Torre faces San Diego dilemma
San Diego FC’s offer holds a compelling advantage—it gives De la Torre the chance to play in his hometown. Born in San Diego, the midfielder could return home to be a central figure in the franchise’s inaugural MLS campaign, which begins in February. The club’s ambitions are clear, as evidenced by marquee signings like Mexican international and former Celta target Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. They want to be the Real Madrid of MLS.
However, De la Torre faces a significant dilemma. His lifelong dream has been to succeed in Europe, a journey that began in 2013 when he left for London as a teenager to join Fulham’s academy. Now 26, he has spent nearly half his life on the continent, with his ties to American soccer limited to his national team appearances.
The clock is ticking, and the scales are delicately balanced. For now, De la Torre continues his development, earning praise at all levels of Celta for his impeccable professionalism.
While his departure would mark the end of a potential long-term investment for sporting director Luis Campos, it would have little economic impact on the club. After two and a half years in Vigo, the door remains open for a transfer driven purely by sporting considerations. In north-west Spain, there’s no pressure—Celta are letting the player decide his future on his own terms.
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