San Diego FC Works on Exit Strategy for Hirving Lozano

San Diego FC announced on Friday that negotiations are underway for the exit of Mexican star Hirving Lozano, following just one season with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.

“We have communicated with Hirving and his representatives that he will not be part of our sporting plans moving forward,” stated San Diego’s sporting director Tyler Heaps during a press conference.

“This decision was not made lightly. It involved thorough discussions among owners, leadership, myself, and head coach Mikey Varas, and has been communicated to the rest of the team.

We are working closely with him and his representatives to identify the best solution and environment for him going forward.”

Lozano was signed as the expansion team’s inaugural Designated Player ahead of the 2025 season, joining from PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands on a four-year contract that extends through the end of 2028, with two option years.

Last year, Lozano was the fifth-highest earner in MLS, with guaranteed compensation amounting to $7.6 million, which complicates any potential transfer.

“At this time, we are open to various options,” Heaps commented regarding the possibility of a permanent transfer or loan for the former Serie A champion from Napoli.

“We believe that a sale would be beneficial for all parties involved. We genuinely appreciate Hirving’s contributions over the past year; however, as the season progressed, we evaluated the fit with our style of play and the overall environment. We concluded that it would be best for both parties to explore new opportunities.”

Lozano’s departure would mark a disappointing conclusion to his brief tenure, which exhibited signs of tension between the player and club management last fall.

Prior to San Diego’s inaugural playoff appearance in October, the 30-year-old was removed from the gameday roster for two matches due to reports of a verbal altercation in the locker room.

Lozano later issued an apology on social media and returned to the roster during the playoffs; however, he was excluded from the starting lineup in the last three postseason matches for the MLS Western Conference finalists.

“There isn’t a single moment to point to,” Heaps remarked regarding whether the incident influenced the club’s decision. “It was a comprehensive decision made in the interest of the group. We are focused not only on short-term success but also on building the club for a sustainable future.”

In his inaugural MLS season, Lozano recorded nine goals and ten assists over 27 appearances.

This uncertainty at the club level poses potential disruptions to Lozano’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with Mexico’s opening match against South Africa in Mexico City just five months away.

As a current rotational starter for the national team, Lozano must quickly acclimate to his new club to secure a spot in the starting eleven for the upcoming tournament.