San Diego FC bolstered its roster in a big way ahead of its MLS debut later this year.
Luca De La Torre has joined the 2025 MLS expansion side on a 12-month loan deal from Celta Vigo, both clubs announced today. The 26-year-old’s loan also includes a purchase option, should San Diego FC decide to exercise it.
“We’re thrilled to bring Luca home to San Diego,” said SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps. “Luca’s journey, competing in some of the world’s top leagues and representing the USMNT, speaks volumes about his dedication and talent. But what makes this moment truly special is that he’s coming home to represent the city that shaped him. We’re excited for him to connect with our fans and community in a meaningful way and play an important role in our historic inaugural season.”
De la Torre spent the past two seasons in La Liga where he made 67 appearances, contributed four goals and added nine assists in all competitions. Prior to his move to Spain, De la Torre scored two goals and added five assists in 59 appearances for Dutch Eredivisie club Heracles Almelo.
A San Diego native, De la Torre moved to England in 2014 to join Fulham’s youth academy. He made his professional debut for Fulham in 2017 before making 14 appearances for the first team. He also featured heavily for the Cottagers’ Under-21 side.
On the international stage, De la Torre has earned 24 caps with the U.S. men’s national team, lifting the Concacaf Nations League on two occasions.
San Diego FC opens its 2025 MLS schedule against reigning champions LA Galaxy on February 23.
the dude barely scores or assists anything. is soft in physical situations and defense. i think until now he’s dined off his U20 and european club status. the folks talking like how did he get benched, nothing much happens when he plays.
i think MLS is more his level and an expansion team is a good reboot for his career.
LDLT – starts 21 of 28 games for Celta to start the 2023/24 season. Rafa Benitez then gets replaced and at the exact same time LDLT misses 3 games with a hamstring injury…and never gets start again. Left out of the squad entirely to begin 24/25, goes on International Duty, plays and then is said to have an ankle injury that was sustained while with the US despite playing with no noticable issues until the end of the last game. This has been pure anti-American bias from the Giraldez. It’s the same thing we see over and over. Bummer for Luca. To go from starter in La Liga to a loanee at an expansion MLS team because of this crap. The guy has barely had a kick since Sept with the US – literally 3 minutes (I don’t buy the ankle injury story – they were working hard to unload him but couldn’t get an offer at the price they set).
It was incredibly stupid on top of it because LDLT was only making €270,000 – a little less than $300,000K US – for Celta Vigo anyhow, which is well below average even for MLS. That’s basically free and well more than a million euros a year below what his 2023/2024 performance said he should have been making. Throwing away value is not exactly the path to success; you squeeze every edge you can get and when you’re a bottom-half team like Celta Vigo even that’s sometimes not enough.
I suspect he’ll get that in MLS, or at least close to it. I don’t see a DP when I look at LDLT, but he’s definitely a TAM guy and those guys can make as much as $1.5 million or so. While he may not be a superstar, he’s assuredly one of those half-dozen core guys every MLS squad builds around. Guy isn’t a hoss physically but he’s pure class with his passing and exceptionally clean technically.
MLS teams making some moves. Bamba has signed with Chicago and Zaha has signed on loan to Charlotte. Unfortunately the Zaha signing may take first team opportunities from young up and coming winger Berchimas.
Of the Towers will get good playing time. Smart move.
Downintexas,
Of the towers has me LMAO…good stuff! Takes me back to days gone by.
Back in the day, my brother and I, used to call Carlos Bocanegra, “Charlie Blackmouth,” when we would see him.
He found it humorous.
Earlier they tried to get Arreola, also a San Diego native, but decided he was too expensive. From what I have seen I think they have put together a competitive team. They just need time to play together and gel.
He might just be joined at San Diego by Kevin de Bruyne…….interesting, especially since it’s a loan