The San Jose Earthquakes have made a significant move by signing Argentine attacking midfielder Hernan Lopez to a designated player contract. The club has reportedly paid a record transfer fee of around $6 million for Lopez, with the potential for it to rise to $7 million based on certain incentives being met. This fee surpasses the previous club record of $2.9 million for Carlos Gruezo. The length of the contract runs through the end of the 2026 season, with options for both 2027 and 2028.
Lopez, who is just 23 years old, comes from a footballing background and has experience playing for notable clubs such as River Plate and Godoy Cruz. He has shown promise by scoring seven goals in 51 league and cup appearances during his time with Godoy Cruz. The Argentine midfielder is also a great-nephew of the legendary Diego Maradona, adding to the intrigue surrounding his signing with the Earthquakes. With a struggling start to the season, sitting at the bottom of the league with just three points from nine matches, the addition of Lopez is expected to bolster the team’s attacking options.
The San Jose Earthquakes will be looking to Lopez to provide creativity and playmaking abilities in the attacking third. As an attacking midfielder, he will be tasked with supplying key passes to the team’s forwards and wingers, including Cristian Espinoza, Amahl Pellegrino, Preston Judd, and Jeremy Ebobisse. The pressure will be on Lopez to adapt quickly to the team’s style of play and make an immediate impact on the pitch. His arrival comes at a crucial time for the Earthquakes, as they look to turn their season around and climb up the standings in the MLS.
Recent Career and Transition to MLS
Having started his career at River Plate’s academy in 2014, Lopez has since made a name for himself in Argentine football. His move to MLS signifies a new chapter in his career, as he looks to make a mark in the North American league. The transition to a new country and league will present challenges for Lopez, but his talent and pedigree suggest that he has the potential to succeed in the MLS. With the support of his new teammates and coaching staff, Lopez will be aiming to make a positive impact and help the San Jose Earthquakes achieve success in the seasons to come.
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