With the 2026 MLS summer transfer window open for more than a week, the rumors regarding the future of San Diego FC forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano again are heating up.
It’s apt too, because Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final brought back memories of Lozano’s epic 2018 game-winning goal for Mexico against Germany, the defending champion at the time.
“We’re trying to work with him and his representatives. Nothing has changed on our side, he’s still not training with the group,” said San Diego FC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps. “A lot of it is dependent on him and his decision if he wants to continue to play football.”
Lozano is under contract with San Diego FC through 2028 with two additional club option years as he earns a $6 million base salary and $9.33 million in total guaranteed compensation for the 2026 MLS season. Despite that contract, SDFC announced in January that Lozano would not be a part of the team’s future following tensions that culminated in a confrontation with the coaching staff.
The 30-year-old Mexico City native has not seen the pitch since SDFC’s 2025 Western Conference championship loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps on Nov. 29. Lozano came in as a substitute in the 60th minute to score SDFC’s only goal.
He posted videos earlier this year of himself engaged in workouts and practicing at the team, facility which led to speculation among supporters of a possible return to the club or an imminent trade to another team. But the limbo continues.
Among the teams rumored to be potential landing spots for Lozano are conference rival LA Galaxy and Liga MX side Pachuca FC, where he started his professional career in 2014.
ESPN reported in February that European and Mexican clubs had shown interest in Lozano, but that it had “become clear that Lozano prefers to stay put in San Diego.”
The last MLS transfer window closed in March.
“I had hoped that we got it resolved last window, but unfortunately it’s not only us making that decision,” Heaps added. “There has been interest. We are trying to actively pursue that interest when it comes up.”
Patience among the fanbase has worn thin. A plane trailed a banner, reading “#Free Chucky=More Wins,” over Snapdragon Stadium during SDFC’s 2-2 draw against LAFC on May 2.
SDFC has made some moves and is rumored to be closing a deal to sign Tunisian national team midfielder Elias Achouri, who would become the team’s third designated player alongside Lozano and forward Anders Dreyer.
Achouri played in all three of Tunisia’s group stage losses during the World Cup, coming in as a substitute each time.
San Diego (4-6-5) returns to play Wednesday, taking on the Colorado Rapids at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park outside Denver. The squad, faltering in its sophomore season and mired in 12th place in the Western Conference standings, returns to Snapdragon at 6:30 p.m. Saturday to face FC Dallas.
