Charlotte FC has finalized the acquisition of American international midfielder Luca de la Torre, securing a significant boost for their squad. The 27-year-old, known for his technical prowess and experience, arrives from LaLiga side Celta Vigo. This move underscores Charlotte's ambition to enhance their midfield capabilities and attract top-tier American talent. De la Torre's recent performance in MLS and his international experience are expected to make him a pivotal player for the club in the upcoming seasons.
The agreement sees de la Torre commit to Charlotte FC through June 2029, with an additional club option extending to the 2030 season. This long-term contract highlights the club's confidence in his ability to contribute significantly to their success. Before joining Charlotte, de la Torre spent a productive loan spell with San Diego FC, where he demonstrated his offensive capabilities by scoring five goals and providing one assist across 30 Major League Soccer matches, starting in 24 of them.
To facilitate this transfer, Charlotte FC secured de la Torre's league rights from San Diego FC through a payment of $50,000 in general allocation money. Charlotte's general manager, Zoran Krneta, expressed his enthusiasm for the new signing, emphasizing de la Torre's entering the prime of his career. Krneta noted the midfielder's technical skill, valuable experience from European football, and familiarity with the MLS landscape as key assets that will greatly benefit the team.
Krneta further elaborated that de la Torre's versatile playing style as a central midfielder complements the existing roster, citing his ability to connect play and effectively advance the ball. This strategic signing aligns with Charlotte FC's ongoing commitment to becoming a preferred destination for USMNT players, reinforcing their desire to attract high-caliber talent to the 'Queen City.' His arrival is anticipated to elevate the team's performance and competitive edge within the league.
On the international stage, de la Torre has represented the U.S. men's national team with distinction, earning 32 caps and scoring one goal. His impressive international resume includes participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2024 Copa América, and the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, showcasing his experience in major tournaments. Prior to his return to MLS, de la Torre built a robust career in Europe, accumulating seven goals and 16 assists over 150 appearances with clubs such as Celta in Spain (2022-25), Heracles Almelo in the Netherlands (2020-22), and Fulham in England (2016-20).
Charlotte FC is set to commence their 2026 MLS season on February 21 with an away match against St. Louis City. The addition of Luca de la Torre is expected to be a cornerstone of their strategy for the upcoming season, as they look to build a formidable squad capable of challenging for honors.
This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Charlotte FC, bringing in a seasoned and dynamic midfielder who is expected to significantly bolster their squad. De la Torre's blend of European and MLS experience, coupled with his national team credentials, positions him as a crucial player for the team's aspirations.