Earthquakes Acquire Argentine Midfielder Hernán López as Designated Player

April 25, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have acquired midfielder Hernán López from Argentine Primera División side Godoy Cruz for a club-record transfer fee and signed him to a Designated Player contract through the 2026 season with club options for 2027 and 2028, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“We’re excited to announce the signing of a top-level player like Hernán López and welcome him to San Jose,” said Earthquakes general manager Chris Leitch. “To bring in a dynamic central playmaker of his caliber for what will be the prime of his career demonstrates that we are willing to invest at a higher level than ever before. He not only fits the mold for our long-term project but will make an immediate impact when he steps on the field.”

López, 23, spent the past five years competing in Argentina’s top tier, making 84 appearances across league play, domestic cups, and the prestigious Copa Libertadores for River Plate, Central Córdoba, and Godoy Cruz. The great-nephew of Argentine World Cup winner and FIFA co-Player of the 20th Century Diego Maradona, the left-footed López amassed 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions during this span to establish himself as one of the brightest young talents in South American soccer.

“Hernán is an extremely gifted player that we’ve been targeting, so we’re really looking forward to bringing him aboard and having him make a creative impact in our midfield,” said Earthquakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez. “His technical skill, vision, and ability to both finish and create for others will add another dynamic to our attack.”

A native of Villa del Parque, Argentina, López began his youth career with hometown club Pacífico Villa del Parque before moving on to Juventud de Devoto, Agronomía, Cultural de Tapiales, and Argentinos Juniors. In 2014, he subsequently joined the academy at River Plate, where he won the Generation Adidas Cup in consecutive seasons.

López made his much-anticipated first-team debut at 18 years old with River Plate in the last game of the 2019 season under reigning South American Manager of the Year Marcelo Gallardo. Playing against Club Atlético Tigre, he marked his initial professional outing with a goal.

After a second season with Los Millionarios, the precocious midfielder then spent the next three campaigns on loan, first with Central Córdoba (2021-22) and then with Godoy Cruz…