The San Jose Earthquakes announced a major signing Thursday that it hopes will catapult the club out of the bottom of the MLS standings.
The Quakes acquired 23-year-old Argentinian Hernán López, an attacking midfielder, for a club-record fee of nearly $6 million. That fee, which could increase to $7 million based on incentives, is more than double the previous club record of almost $3 million that was paid for Carlos Gruezo before the 2023 season.
“We feel very fortunate that we’re getting a young player in the prime of his career, and it shows the commitment level of this club to compete this year and in the years to come,” general manager Chris Leitch said during a virtual news conference announcing the signing.
Magic on the ball 🪄. Greatness in his blood 🐐.
Hernán López. Coming soon to a midfield near you. pic.twitter.com/iqk4cFYgx8
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 25, 2024
López will arrive from Godoy Cruz in the Argentine Primera Division. The designated player is signed through 2026 with club options for 2027 and 2028. He is expected to make his Quakes debut next month once his work visa goes through.
López, the great nephew of Diego Maradona, has spent five seasons in Argentina’s top league, with 12 goals and seven assists during that span. The left-footed No. 10 has seven goals and six assists in the last one-and-a-half seasons with Godoy Cruz.
“Having one of the most attack-minded, gifted players in South America choose to come here during the prime of his career makes us all very excited about not only what that means for us today, because he’s gonna come in and help us win games right now, but also the future of this club,” Leitch said.
Leitch said the team was looking to sign offensive-minded players in the latest transfer window, which just closed, after 28 of its 35 games last year were decided by one goal. They were also reportedy interested in Mexican forward Carlos Vela, a former MLS MVP who is a free agent after leaving LAFC. The next opportunity to add transfers begins in July, and Leitch said the López signing does not preclude future big signings.
Beyond the on-field improvement that López might bring, Leitch also said the acquisition is a sign that owner John Fisher is invested in improving the team, along with a $50 million investment in a new training facility. The Quakes’ payroll has been near the bottom of the league recently, and the team hasn’t had a winning record since 2013. Fisher also owns the Oakland A’s, who are last in the MLB in payroll by a large margin.
“I do think it signals our commitment,” Leitch said. “To shatter our previous transfer record, to bring in a player that costs big money, I believe shows the intent of our owner and our club to be a competitor in this league.”
López is joining the Quakes, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, at one of the lowest points in its history record-wise. The Quakes have won just one of its first nine games and have three points, the fewest in the 29-team league.
The Quakes have allowed 24 goals, six more than any other team, under second-year coach Luchi Gonzalez. So while López was acquired for his ability to create goals, he needs to help shore up the defense as well, which Leitch said can happen.
“He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but you’ll see his work rate on the defensive end help us,” Leitch said.
The signing may also increase the pressure on Gonzalez and the front office to produce better results. The Quakes are already nine points out of the playoffs, with U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup competition still on the horizon.
“We’re all on the hot seat,” Leitch said. “We’re in a result-oriented business.”
