Chucky Lozano to San Jose Earthquakes Just Makes Sense

San Diego FC wrapped up its preseason preparations Wednesday with a closed-door scrimmage against the Tijuana Xolos that reportedly ended in a 2–2 draw. Most importantly, Chucky Lozano was seen training by himself on the side, looking on as his current teammates scrimmaged the Liga MX side.

With the MLS season starting less than a month from now, on February 21, the club is still trying to figure out ways to move Lozano to a different club after a decision was made to not include him in the club's future plans.

What makes the situation difficult for SDFC is Lozano's no-trade clause – a contractual agreement that gives the player full control over any potential move before his current deal expires. Lozano is currently signed through 2028 on a $30 million dollar contract. His current $7.6 million per year salary makes it especially hard to find a suitor.

Reports indicate that a handful of clubs came calling San Diego to inquire about Lozano's services, but no deal has been made. It's unknown if the final decisions were made by club, player, or both. The reality is – Chucky is still in San Diego, training alone, enjoying life in America's Finest City, and oh yeah – taking up a valuable Designated Player roster spot.

In a league where the DPs are crucial to a team's success and the season right around the corner, SDFC need to act fast. After all, bringing in a replacement DP without ample time to get integrated and used to the Right to Dream system will only hurt the club short-term.

Destination: San Jose

One of the likelier suitors may be a cross-state rival in San Jose. The Earthquakes have undergone quite a big overhaul of their roster this year and are preparing to start a new journey featuring a reworked attack.

Star attacker Josef Martinez transferred to Club Tijuana and winger Christian Espinoza departed this winter to Nashville SC. Martinez spent one year with the Earthquakes, playing in 30 matches while scoring a team-high 14 goals and adding two assists. Espinoza was San Jose's assist leader with 12 on the year while also scoring four goals in 31 matches.

Reports now suggest that the third piece of the attack, Christian 'Chicho' Arango is headed to Colombian side Atlético Nacional. San Jose signed Arango to a contract extension earlier in the year but the Colombian International seems to have found a new path in his career journey. Arango scored 13 goals and notched seven assists during the 2025 campaign.

So, what's left?

Well, for starters – the Earthquakes announced Thursday that the transfer of Timo Werner from German Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig, is official. The storied striker brings European club-level and national team experience to MLS. Werner's resume speaks for himself.

It's hard to believe that the Earthquakes are done adding beyond Werner. Fellow teammate Preston Judd, who tallied seven goals and two assists while sharing minutes with Arango, Espinoza and Martinez, will be the other striker option. San Jose will certainly look to bring in another DP.

Why Not Chucky?

A tough decision awaits Lozano as the World Cup approaches. Does the player swallow his pride and move to a club where he can play meaningful minutes and have the chance to make the Mexico squad? Or does Lozano hold out in hopes of being paid out what he is owed but give up any chance at participating in a World Cup that his country is hosting?

Mexico head coach, Javier Aguirre told the media that he has been in contact with Lozano and addressed the situation in a press conference last week.

"A player who has not played for eight months but is on the bench at Liverpool or I don't know where, is difficult. Even so, I spent 15 years in Spain, I am one of those who believe that even being on the bench, training is very demanding, the fact of going to another country, another climate, another crowd, another diet, conditions you, alerts you, awakens your five senses and that makes you improve," said Aguirre.

"I think it's his decision, he will have to think about everything that this implies," said Aguirre in relation to Lozano staying or leaving San Diego FC.

If Lozano makes the move, San Jose could be just the spark his career needs—lining up alongside Timo Werner and under the watchful eye of veteran coach Bruce Arena. Known for his fiery temperament, Lozano has never been a quiet presence on the field, but Arenas’ years of managing strong personalities might be exactly what it takes to turn that fire into results. The combination could give both player and club the boost they’ve been searching for.

The move can also provide an opportunity to reinvigorate his career and make a strong case for the Mexico national team starting XI.

According to the latest General Allocation Money (GAM) figures, San Jose currently holds $4.1 million, leaving the Earthquakes with significant flexibility to maneuver and create opportunities to add impact players in areas of need.

If the forementioned scenario ever materializes, it will not come cheap for San Diego. At the end of the day, Lozano's salary will be the main talking point in any negotiations over the player's future.

San Diego FC's Immediate Needs

At the same time, San Diego doesn't have time to waste. The second-year club will be participating in three different competitions in 2026 which means head coach Mikey Varas needs a deeper squad than what they currently have.

San Diego FC’s Concacaf Champions Cup roster was unveiled this week, and at just 25 players, it underscores the thin margins the club is currently operating with. Although further additions remain possible, the clock is ticking. The winter transfer window closes March 26, and roster reinforcements brought in late will face an uphill climb to adjust quickly.

With the season fast approaching and roster decisions pending, San Diego FC finds itself at a crossroads.

The Lozano situation is no longer a distant problem but a pressing one that impacts roster flexibility, competitive balance, and the club’s short-term ambitions. Whether a solution comes in the form of a trade, a financial compromise, or a bold move from a suitor like San Jose, resolution must come soon.

As for Lozano - a decision to not give himself a chance to play in the World Cup in his home country will be one he will have to live with for the rest of his life.