San Diego FC signs former Inter Miami defender Franco Negri
Credit: SDFC
This Tuesday, January 7, San Diego FC officially announced the signing of 29-year-old defender Franco Negri.
SDFC had selected Negri in Stage 2 of the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft and has now signed him to a one-year contract with a club option for an additional year.
The Argentine player has had an extensive career, dating back to 2016, but has only played in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. Negri’s primary position is at left-back, but he has played higher up the pitch when necessary.
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝗴𝗼, 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼.
SDFC signs Argentine defender Franco Negri to a one-year contract through the end of the 2025 MLS season, with a Club option for 2026. Negri was selected in Stage 2 of the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft in December.
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) January 7, 2025
The 29-year-old defender started his career in his native Argentina with San Lorenzo, then went on to play with Quilmes, Independiente Rivadavia, Belgrano, Newell’s Old Boys, and Godoy Cruz, also in his native country.
In 2023, Negri played and started 16 games for Inter Miami, but his playing time dwindled down last season with only nine starts. SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps talked about what Franco Negri can provide for San Diego FC.
“Franco has proven he can be a key contributor at left-back in his career, and we’re happy to add him to our current squad. His composure on the ball and ability to impact both defense and attack bring a level of talent and leadership that will be invaluable as we continue to build our pieces for 2025”, said Heaps.
The 2025 MLS season is quickly on the horizon, and SDFC still has plenty of signings to announce before the first game against LA Galaxy. The squad depth keeps on growing and more and more veteran players are being added to help mold what is a young core of players under Mikey Varas.
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.