The LA Galaxy are set to sign Mexican midfielder Hirving “Chucky” Lozano on loan from San Diego FC, according to The Athletic.

This move technically frees up a designated player spot for SDFC, as Lozano is now LA Galaxy’s DP. However, the club doesn’t plan to fill that spot due to the risk that the move won’t be permanent. Per The Athletic, Lozano can negotiate new terms with LA Galaxy, but San Diego is still responsible for some of his salary.

Once upon a time, “Chucky” Lozano was the premier player of San Diego FC and one of the league’s highest-paid players. The Mexico native drew a lot of early buzz, and fans created chants based around his name to the tune of “The Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. In total, Lozano played 27 games for San Diego, scoring nine goals and collecting 10 assists. His contributions were a large part of the club’s historic inaugural season.

However, behind the scenes, things were very different. Reportedly, issues arose between Lozano and SDFC Coach Mikey Varas in the locker room. The details of what caused the rift in their relationship aren’t very clear. Varas briefly addressed the situation, stating, “We had a situation we’re dealing with internally.” Lozano issued a public apology admitting his lapse in judgment.

Despite this, Lozano was not a starter in any MLS competition following their October 4 match against the Houston Dynamo. Lozano would make four postseason appearances as a substitute for the club. Varas denoted the decision as “calculated.” Regardless, fans continued speculating. SDFC would fall to the Vancouver Whitecaps in their 1-3 loss in the Conference Finals. Lozano is responsible for the only goal in the contest and the final of the season. Since then, Lozano has not played a single minute for SDFC in 2026. Lozano’s lack of competitive play also left him out of consideration for the Mexican National Team in the FIFA World Cup. That said, he continues to train alone.

Lozano’s move to LA Galaxy might be a little too fitting. Los Angeles and San Diego represent two ideologically opposed cultures in Southern California. Naturally, this has generated several sports rivalries spanning multiple major league sports. SDFC and LA Galaxy are, of course, no exception. With that in mind, it makes sense that a popular player scorned by his previous club would join their rival. It also just so happens that the LA Galaxy is the very first team SDFC played and won against.

For Chucky Lozano, this is his chance to finally get some playing time in a competitive space, nearly a year removed from his last appearance.

Fabian Garcia