San Diego FC Snags LAFC’s Young Talent | OneFootball

San Diego FC just made a bold move by signing defender Luca Bombino on loan from LAFC. It’s the kind of deal that could either pay off big or leave San Diego scrambling to stay relevant in the MLS as the 2025 season heats up.

On one side, you’ve got San Diego, diving headfirst into the league, trying to carve out a name for itself. On the other, LAFC, one of the most dominant teams in the MLS in recent years, letting go of a promising talent in what seems to be, at the very least, a strategic move to free up international roster space.

Let’s break down LAFC’s move first. They’re stepping back, right? Instead of letting Bombino shine on the first team or even selling him for a decent amount, they’ve loaned him out, keeping the option for a future sale. What’s the immediate upside? They get to open up a spot on the international roster, which, in a league stacked with foreign talent fighting for every starting spot, could be huge.

On paper, the move makes sense. LAFC already has a solid core of players, and while Bombino’s got potential, he hasn’t really cracked the first-team lineup yet. In 2024, he was called up to the bench four times but never made his official debut. It seems LAFC is more focused on solidifying their power position in the league than handing minutes to a player who still has a lot to prove. After all, the team’s goal is to win titles, not develop young stars, right?

Now, over in San Diego, the game plan is different. They’re making a long-term investment with an 18-year-old player who might not be the next big thing just yet but could be the key to the club’s future growth. Bombino, who spent two seasons with LAFC2, the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, has 32 appearances and 4 assists under his belt.

By bringing him on loan, San Diego’s showing they’re not afraid to take risks while building their own identity. The MLS is getting more crowded with teams focused on instant success and buying international superstars, but San Diego seems to be going against the grain, opting for a player who might not shine right away, but with the right development, could turn into an important piece down the road.