san diego fc Said on Friday that they were working on an exit Mexico star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano After just one season with of MLS Club.
“We have spoken to Hirving and his representatives that he will not be a part of game plans moving forward,” San Diego athletic director Tyler Heaps told reporters.
“This was not a decision that was taken lightly. It was something that was thoroughly talked about from the owners all the way up to leadership and down to me.” [coach Mikey Varas]And communication has been made with the rest of the group.
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“So we are working with them and their representatives to find the best solution and the best environment for them to move forward.”
Signed as the expansion team’s first designated player ahead of the 2025 season, the winger joins San Diego from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven on a four-year contract until the end of 2028 with two option years.
lozano was Fifth-highest earner in MLS last yearWith $7.6 million in compensation guaranteed, any transfer is made potentially difficult.
Asked whether the club was seeking a permanent transfer or a loan move to Napoli for the former Serie A title winner, Heaps said, “At the moment, we are ready for anything.”
“We believe the sale is best for all parties. Look, we really appreciate Hirving’s contribution, what he was able to contribute last year, but as the season progressed, I think in terms of a style of play as well as an atmosphere, we feel it’s best for both parties to find a new solution.”
The departure of 30-year-old Lozano will bring a disappointing end to his short tenure, which last saw signs of tension between player and management.
Before San Diego’s first playoff appearance in October, he was removed from the team’s gameday roster for two games following reports of a verbal altercation in the locker room.
Lozano apologized on social media and returned to the gameday roster during the playoffs, but was left out of the starting eleven in the last three postseason games for the MLS Western Conference finalists.
“There’s no single moment you can point to,” Heaps said when asked whether the incident influenced the club’s decision. “It was a completely collective decision that we made on behalf of the group. And again, we’re looking at not just short-term success but long-term success in terms of how to build this club for the future.”
In his first year in MLS, Lozano has scored nine goals and 10 assists in 27 games.
The uncertainty at club level is a potential hindrance to Lozano’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with Mexico’s opening match against South Africa in Mexico City just five months away.
Currently a rotational starter for Mexico, Lozano will have to break into the ground at a new club to not only make the playing XI for this summer’s tournament, but possibly earn a spot on the roster altogether.
