Galaxy Pursue Lozano as San Diego Moves On

The LA Galaxy are in advanced talks to sign out-of-favor Mexican winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano on loan from San Diego FC, according to multiple sources briefed on the situation. ESPN Mexico first reported the discussions.

Lozano is likely to be a designated player for the Galaxy if a deal is completed. While San Diego has given Lozano permission to negotiate with the Galaxy, the club would still be on the hook for a portion of his salary, sources add.

A Costly Fall from Grace

Lozano hasn't featured for San Diego in 2026 and has been training alone all season after the club decided he wasn't part of its plans — a stunning reversal just a year after San Diego made Lozano the face of its expansion season.

According to the most recent MLS Players Association figures, his $9.33 million in guaranteed compensation in 2026 makes him the fourth-highest-paid player in MLS, trailing only Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, and Rodrigo De Paul.

Productive Despite the Turmoil

For Lozano, a potential move to the Galaxy represents a chance at a fresh start. The 31-year-old winger has been productive in his MLS minutes, recording nine goals and 10 assists in 27 regular-season matches last season (1,833 minutes), along with two goals and an assist in four playoff games off the bench.

He would join a remade Galaxy attack that has seen the club sell Gabriel Pec for a record fee to Cruzeiro, while Japanese forward Kyōgo Furuhashi has joined from Birmingham.

How We Got Here

Lozano's time in San Diego has been effectively over since the offseason. San Diego sporting director Tyler Heaps said in January that Lozano “wasn't part of the team's plans,” and he has been separated from the group since.

The first public signs of discontent emerged last October, when Lozano was omitted from the club's squad for its season finale against Portland. The Athletic reported that the decision stemmed from a locker-room altercation earlier in the month following a halftime substitution that angered the player.

Earlier this summer, San Diego signed Tunisian winger Elias Achouri to a designated player deal, and Heaps was asked again about Lozano's status.

“Nothing has changed from our side,” Heaps said. “A lot of it depends on him and his decision, if he wants to continue to play football.”

Now, it appears that decision may lead Lozano to one of MLS's most storied clubs — if the two sides can finalize a deal.