San Diego FC announced on Friday that they are in the process of facilitating the departure of Mexico international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano after just one season with the MLS team.
San Diego’s sporting director Tyler Heaps informed the media, “We have had discussions with Hirving and his representatives regarding his future, and he will not be part of our plans moving forward.”
“This was not a decision made lightly. It involved thorough discussions from ownership to leadership, including myself and coach Mikey Varas, and has been conveyed to the entire team,” Heaps elaborated.
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“We are actively working with him and his team to identify the best path forward that aligns with his career aspirations,” he added.
Lozano was signed as the first designated player for the expansion team ahead of the 2025 season, transferring from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven on a four-year contract set to last until 2028, with two additional option years.
Last year, Lozano was the fifth-highest paid player in MLS, earning a guaranteed $7.6 million, making any potential transfer challenging.
Heaps remarked, “We are open to any possibilities” regarding whether the club is looking for a permanent transfer or a loan for the former Serie A champion.
“We think a sale would be beneficial for everyone involved. We truly value Hirving’s contributions last year, but as the season progressed, it became clear that a different environment might be best for both him and the club,” Heaps explained.
Lozano’s exit, at age 30, would mark a disappointing conclusion to a brief tenure that was marred by reported discord between him and the team’s management last fall.
Prior to San Diego’s first playoff appearance in October, he was removed from the game-day roster for two matches due to a verbal altercation in the locker room.
After apologizing on social media, Lozano returned for the playoffs but did not start in the final three postseason matches for the Western Conference finalists.
“There’s not a single incident to isolate as the reason,” commented Heaps about the decision. “It was a collective choice made for the betterment of the entire group. We’re focused not just on immediate success but also on building the club’s future.”
During his inaugural MLS season, Lozano recorded nine goals and ten assists in 27 appearances.
The ongoing uncertainty at the club could disrupt Lozano’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will kick off for Mexico against South Africa in Mexico City in just five months.
As a regular starter for Mexico, Lozano needs to quickly establish himself at a new club to secure his place in the starting lineup for the upcoming tournament and potentially earn a spot on the final roster.