The San Jose Earthquakes have signed Argentine attacking midfielder Hernan Lopez to a designated player contract, the team announced on Thursday.
The Quakes are paying a club record transfer fee of around $6 million, which could rise to $7m if certain incentives are met, sources told ESPN.
The contract runs through the end of the 2026 season with club options for both 2027 and 2028. The transfer fee is more than double the previous club record of $2.9m for Carlos Gruezo prior to last season.
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The deal will be complete once Lopez's International Transfer Certificate has been obtained, but was done in time to beat the closing of the MLS primary transfer window on April 23.
"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."
Lopez, 23, arrives in San Jose having spent parts of the previous two seasons with Godoy Cruz, where he scored seven goals in 51 league and cup appearances. He first broke in with Argentine giants River Plate in 2019, having risen through the club's academy ranks starting in 2014.
He was technically on loan with Godoy Cruz though Lopez's player rights were evenly split between River and Godoy Cruz.
De Buenos Aires a San José. ⚫️🔵
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 25, 2024
Hernán López is Black & Blue!
NEWS: #Quakes74 acquire Argentine midfielder Hernán López as Designated Player for club-record transfer fee.
"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.
Lopez is a great-nephew of the Argentine legend Diego Maradona.
The Quakes, with a league-worst mark of three points from nine league matches, need help all over the field, but signing an attacking midfielder was one of the team's primary needs. Lopez will now be expected to be the primary supplier to attackers Cristian Espinoza and Amahl Pellegrino, as well as forwards Preston Judd and Jeremy Ebobisse.