Last Friday, San Diego FC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps made it clear that Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is not in the club’s sporting plans moving forward. This stance was quickly reinforced by head coach Mikey Varas, who referenced how the team closed out the 2025 season and found success without Lozano in the squad.

Lozano, one of the highest-paid players in MLS, signed a four-year contract with San Diego FC through the 2028 season as the club’s first-ever Designated Player.

San Diego FC paid a reported $12 million transfer fee to PSV Eindhoven and handed Lozano an annual salary of approximately $7 million.

This is where things get complicated. Several Latin American media outlets began linking the Mexican international with a return to Liga MX, mentioning clubs such as Toluca, Club América, and Chivas—teams traditionally known for pursuing high-profile signings. Chivas, in particular, is notable for fielding only Mexican-born players. All three clubs were quick to deny the rumors over the weekend.

So far, Cruz Azul has been the most involved in Lozano’s situation.

However, like the other clubs, they view his salary as a major obstacle—frankly, too high for a player being phased out elsewhere due to off-field issues. Another factor working against a move to Cruz Azul is tactical fit. The club does not play with traditional wingers, instead favoring a five-man back line with wingbacks pushed high and attacking creativity generated through central areas. Bringing in Lozano as a winger would make little sense given their system.

Yesterday, reports from Fabrizio Romano and other sources indicated that Lozano would be open to staying in San Diego despite being informed that he is no longer part of the club’s plans.

That revelation has sparked mixed reactions. With the World Cup approaching, it seems almost unthinkable that Lozano would be willing to sit out his contract while being sidelined, effectively waiving any realistic chance at an international call-up. It’s no secret that Mexican national team head coach Javier Aguirre is not particularly keen on Lozano and currently favors other options. Remaining inactive would almost certainly eliminate any slim chance he has of making the squad.

According to Tyler Heaps, the decision was made around Christmas and communicated directly to the player. However, before the situation became public, Lozano continued posting on social media about being happy to return to San Diego and back to training. At the time, it appeared the situation had been resolved and that a clean slate had been established.

Looking ahead, Lozano has several options. Accepting a pay cut and moving to another club where he can get consistent playing time—and potentially revive his World Cup hopes—would also benefit San Diego FC. The club has been clear about wanting to sell him, though they understand they are unlikely to recoup their full investment given how the situation has unfolded.

Soccer is a volatile sport, and circumstances can change rapidly. One far-fetched—but not impossible—scenario is Lozano earning his way back into the team. San Diego FC is unlikely to sign another Designated Player without first recovering funds from Lozano’s departure. But what if the 2025 MLS season begins and expectations fall short? Would the organization reconsider if a player of Lozano’s caliber and experience is sitting on the bench or in the VIP box?

Another key factor is the fanbase. Many San Diego FC season ticket holders were drawn to the club by the signing of Lozano as its marquee player. If early results don’t go the team’s way and pressure mounts on Mikey Varas, fan sentiment—and attendance—could intensify that pressure if Lozano remains available in any capacity.

For now, Lozano’s future remains uncertain, and all possibilities remain on the table.

Rodrigo Noriega

Rodrigo is a passionate soccer fan, fan is an understatement. Following SDFC, Xolos and most of the top leagues in the worlds. Binational grown, loving both sides of the border.