Charlotte FC is set to sign U.S. international midfielder Luca de la Torre from Celta Vigo. De la Torre joins on a permanent deal after spending 2025 on loan at San Diego FC in Major League Soccer.

What happened?

San Diego FC will receive $50k General Allocation Money for de la Torre’s rights from Charlotte FC.

Why it matters for Charlotte FC

The 27-year-old made 37 appearances across all competitions for San Diego, who delivered the best expansion season in modern MLS history.

De la Torre was a key player for much of the year, but fell out of the starting lineup by season’s end. He has 32 caps with the U.S. national team but was left off the final two squads of 2025.

What comes next?

In Charlotte, de la Torre gives head coach Dean Smith a much-needed ball progressing and technical option in an industrious midfield. The club had their best season in MLS in 2025, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to NYCFC. Charlotte’s squad is headlined by Wilfried Zaha, Pep Biel, Ashley Westwood, and USMNT center back Tim Ream. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | Age | 27 | | Caps | 32 | | Appearances | 37 |