Who is Hernán López, Maradona’s great-nephew who has moved to MLS?

Argentinian midfielder Hernán López, who is a great-nephew of soccer great Diego Maradona, has moved to Major League Soccer franchise San Jose Earthquakes.

How much have Earthquakes paid for López?

López has joined the Earthquakes as a ‘designated player’, with the Californian team paying a club-record transfer fee to sign him from Argentinian side Godoy Cruz. San Jose have forked out a reported $6 million for the 23-year-old - double the $3m they are believed to have spent on their previous most expensive signing, Ecuador midfielder Carlos Gruezo.

López’s transfer fee will be shared by Godoy Cruz and fellow Argentinian club River Plate, where the player began his career. River owned 50% of the player’s registration.

López, who had established as one of the stand-out performers in the Argentinian domestic game, has put pen to paper on an Earthquakes contract running until 2026, with the option to extend the agreement until 2027 or 2028.

López “fits the mold for our long-term project” - San Jose GM

San Jose announced López’s signing on Thursday, posting a video in which López spoke to the club’s fans for the first time. “I’m really excited to begin our new story together,” he said.

Earthquakes general manager Chris Leitch said: “We’re excited to announce the signing of a top-level player like Hernán López and welcome him to San Jose.

“To bring in a dynamic central playmaker of his caliber for what will be the prime of his career demonstrates that we are willing to invest at a higher level than ever before. He not only fits the mold for our long-term project but will make an immediate impact when he steps on the field.”

López’s career figures so far

After graduating from River’s youth academy, López made one appearance for Los Millonarios - scoring on his debut - before scoring four times and supplying one assist in 30 games on loan at Central Còrdoba in 2021 and 2022.

He then left River for Godoy Cruz in 2023 - initially on loan - netting seven goals and providing six assists in 51 matches for El Tomba.

What is a ‘designated player’ in MLS?

Also known as the ‘Beckham Rule’, the ‘designated player’ rule allows clubs in the MLS to have up to three players in their squad on wages that exceed the salary cap imposed by the league.

The system was introduced in 2007, with current Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham becoming the first designated player in MLS when he joined the Galaxy that year.