San Diego FC acquires Luca Bombino on loan from LAFC
Credit: SDFC
This Tuesday, February 25, San Diego FC officially announced the acquisition of Luca Bombino on loan with LAFC.
The 18-year-old defender is on loan through the 2025 season, and there is an option for a permanent trade for a 2025 International Roster Slot.
Bombino is an LAFC youth academy product and just recently signed a homegrown contract with the team last year. The 18-year-old has been with the Los Angeles organization for eight years and was part of LAFC’s 2024 U.S. Open Cup-winning team.
The Saugus, Calif. native has represented the USA at the U-17, U-19 and U-20 youth levels. Bombino has 10 appearances at all levels with the U.S. internationally and is still receiving call-ups.
TRADE ALERT
San Diego FC Acquires Defender 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗼 on Loan from LAFC in exchange for a 2025 International Roster Slot. @DIRECTV
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) February 25, 2025
The young player’s main position is the left-back slot, where San Diego FC currently has Franco Negri in the starting role. Willy Kumado and Hamady Diop also have the ability to play in the left-back position if needed, as there is plenty of competition there.
Bombino has most recently played 32 games for LAFC2, providing two assists between the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The 18-year-old defender is 5-foot-7 and is a player with a lot of pace to burn in that left flank.
Mikey Varas has clearly opted for a very offensive and aggressive playing style with a heavy focus on counter-attacking play. This style of play requires speed on the flanks and that is just what Bombino can provide.
It is very unclear if he will receive significant minutes given all the players that already have the ability to play at left-back. However, it seems that he has the potential to receive first-team minutes off the bench for SDFC in this campaign.
Francisco, 28, 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 FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.