San Diego FC has officially signed Hirving “Chucky” Lozano as their first-ever designated player and his impact both on and off the field is expected to be astronomical for this club.

Lozano is SDFC’s first splash signing, and the Mexican international has plenty of potential in the MLS. At 28 years old, Lozano’s move to MLS seems premature, especially with the World Cup coming up in 2026. “Chucky” can undoubtedly still play a few more years in Europe, coming off a discrete season at PSV Eindhoven, where he scored six goals and provided three assists.

Lozano is expected to tear up Major League Soccer, much like his countryman Carlos Vela was able to do at LAFC. Lozano can play without a problem on either wing and can also be used centrally if needed in a striker or centre-forward role. The 28-year-old still has blistering pace that is one of his best assets, especially running down the wings.

🇲🇽🇺🇸 Hirving Lozano has signed a four year deal as new San Diego FC player, leaving PSV Eindhoven to join MLS.

Official announcement to follow soon. pic.twitter.com/uVYMgcYA1c

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2024

Lozano has the ability to provide good crosses into the box and has a solid finishing ability in front of net. At his best, the Mexican forward can be described as explosive, and with the very inconsistent backlines in MLS, Lozano has the potential to be one of the best players in the league.

The Mexico City native has played football at the highest level with Napoli in the Italian Serie A, where his best season came in the 2020/2021 campaign, where he scored 11 goals and provided three assists. Lozano’s best seasons came in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he scored 17 goals in back-to-back seasons.

The Eredivisie is easily a better league than MLS, as Lozano has enough talent to surpass those numbers with San Diego FC. On the field, Lozano has the potential to be a certified superstar, off the pitch, his impact may potentially be even greater. Lozano is a major fan favorite within the Mexico national team and will bring several fans to Snapdragon Stadium.

Lozano scored one of the most iconic goals in Mexico history when he scored in the 2018 FIFA World Cup against Germany. He will always be remembered by Mexican fans for that, and his jersey at SDFC will certainly be a big seller.

It will be interesting to see what team is formed around Hirving Lozano and if any other big-name players are announced by San Diego FC. There will almost certainly be more big signings on the way based on reports and based on remarks by SDFC CEO Tom Penn.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.