Former Real Madrid and Spain captain Sergio Ramos is expected to move to MLS expansion team San Diego FCwith the World Cup winner close to agreeing a deal with the Californian franchise.
Says MLS insiders Tom Bogert and Guillermo Rey San Diego is “in advanced talks” to sign Ramos As a “designated player”. The 38-year-old, who has made 180 international appearances for the Spain men's national team, is set to be available on a free transfer as his contract with current club Sevilla expires at the end of June.
What is a “Designated Player” in Major League Soccer?
Also known as the “Beckham Rule”, the “Designated Player” system. MLS clubs are allowed to have up to three players on their team with wages exceeding the salary cap imposed by the league. The rule was introduced in 2007, with current Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham becoming Major League Soccer's first designated player when he joined the LA Galaxy that year.
San Diego is also connected to Lozano, Ochoa
Talk of Ramos moving to San Diego comes amid allegations that the team is Also targeting attacks are Mexican duo Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and Guillermo Ochoa.
Bogert reported that the PSV Eindhoven Pavilion Lozano is closing in on a $12 million move to Snapdragon Stadium, while Ochoa is rumored to have emerged as the favorite to become San Diego's No. 1 goalkeeper, following an 18-month spell at Italian club Salernitana. The 38-year-old becomes a free agent at the end of the Serie A season.
When will San Diego join MLS?
Owned by the Sikwan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and British-Egyptian businessman Mohamed Mansour, San Diego FC is set to make its Major League Soccer debut in the 2025 seasonBecoming the 30th team in the 28-year-old North American League.
“For many years we thought San Diego would be a great market for Major League Soccer “Given its youthful energy, its great diversity, and the fact that soccer is an essential part of many people's daily lives,” Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said in May 2023, when the team was confirmed as the league's newest expansion franchise.
“Muhammad Mansour and the Sikwan tribe have an amazing vision To build a club that inspires and unites football fans across the city and region.
