San Diego FC shocks MLS with $5M signing as Anders Dreyer joins Chucky Lozano | OneFootball

With the signing of Danish winger Anders Dreyer, an exciting talent to join what is already a talented attacking line, San Diego FC took a big step towards their MLS debut. On a three-year contract reportedly with a transfer fee close to $5 million, Dreyer will be the club's second Designated Player alongside Mexican star Chucky Lozano.

Dreyer's arrival at San Diego FC simply shows that the club will leave no stone unturned to shine right from the word go. The 26-year-old Dane brings big-time European experience into the setup, with notable stints at clubs like Anderlecht and Midtjylland. His career includes spells in Russia, the Netherlands, and even caps for Denmark's senior national team.

In more than 283 professional games, Dreyer has scored 99 goals and 67 assists. For sporting director Tyler Heaps, the winger is the missing piece in strengthening the team's offensive line: "Anders is an exciting addition to our frontline and has proven he can contribute goals wherever he's played in his career." According to Heaps, Dreyer is expected not only to shine individually but also to raise the collective level of the squad.

The weight of being a Designated Player

In Major League Soccer, the world of Designated Players is reserved for those who make a difference not only on but also off the pitch. Dreyer becomes the second player to gain that status along with Lozano in the current squad, theoretically forming an explosively potent pairing up front. Along with a creative core rounded by Marcus Ingvartsen and Luca de la Torre, head coach Mikey Varas will have plenty of diversity in this dynamic attack at his disposal.

Dreyer brings into the team a winning mentality, already tested within competitive leagues, and a great work ethic. His international experience and adaptability will be crucial for San Diego, particularly to navigate through the league, as unique as the MLS is.

Clear strategy for debut season

San Diego FC is not leaving any stone unturned to make their maiden season in the MLS memorable. This signing of Dreyer has been another step in a strategy that had already set its tone with the arrival of Lozano. While many expansion teams have focused on developing local talent and betting on young prospects, San Diego seems determined to assemble a competitive squad from day one.

It now falls to Coach Mikey Varas to put all the pieces into place and mold this roster into a cohesive, well-oiled machine that could compete against anybody in the league. And with Dreyer, Lozano, along with other key names, the tools are there not only to compete but also to give the club clear identity on the pitch.

But beyond that, Dreyer is a very versatile player who can play as both a winger and in more central positions, offering many tactical possibilities to the coach.

Ambitious at every level

Dreyer's signing also reflects the ambition of San Diego FC off the pitch. In an increasingly global market where MLS is in a competitive task of trying to attract high-profile and high-potential players, bringing in European talent like Dreyer shows that the club knows it needs to think big. And thinking big isn't just about spending money; it means investing in those players who give substantial contributions to the team.