San Diego FC announced on Friday their efforts to facilitate the departure of Mexico star Hirving «Chucky» Lozano, following just one season at the MLS outfit.
«We have informed Hirving and his agents that he won’t be included in our future sporting strategies,» said San Diego sporting director Tyler Heaps during a press briefing.
«This was not an easy choice. It was a matter thoroughly discussed from the ownership level down to the leadership and myself, including [coach Mikey Varas], and has been conveyed to the rest of the squad.
– Lozano expresses regret following reported incident
– Sounders’ Vargas turns down Liga MX, aims for Europe
«We are collaborating with him and his representatives to identify the most favorable arrangement and setting for his future.»
Initially signed as the expansion team’s inaugural designated player prior to the 2025 season, the winger transferred to San Diego from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven under a four-year deal lasting until the end of 2028 with two additional option years.
Lozano was the fifth-highest paid player in MLS last year, with guaranteed earnings of $7.6 million, making any potential transfer complicated.
«At this point, we’re open to any option,» said Heaps when asked if the club was pursuing a permanent transfer or loan for the former Serie A champion from Napoli.
«We think that a transfer would benefit everyone involved. While we truly value Hirving’s contributions from last year, over the course of the season, we feel that regarding style-of-play compatibility and environment, it would be best for both sides to explore a new arrangement.»
The departure of Lozano, aged 30, would mark a lackluster close to his brief spell, which had displayed signs of friction between him and the management last fall.
Before San Diego’s inaugural playoff match in October, he was omitted from the team’s gameday roster for two games following reports of a verbal dispute in the locker room.
Lozano extended apologies on social media and rejoined the gameday roster during the playoffs, yet was excluded from the starting XI in the last three postseason games for the MLS Western Conference finalists.
«There’s no isolated incident that you can pinpoint,» Heaps stated when asked if the event influenced the club’s decision. «It was more of a collective determination we made with the team in mind. And once more, we’re focusing on not only immediate success but also the long-term foundation of this club for the future.»
In his inaugural MLS season, Lozano recorded nine goals and ten assists across 27 games played.
The instability at the club is a possible impediment to Lozano’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup, with Mexico’s opening fixture against South Africa in Mexico City approaching in just five months.
As a current rotational starter for Mexico, Lozano must swiftly adapt to a new club to not only secure his position in the lineup for this summer’s tournament but possibly earn a spot on the overall roster.
