Charlotte FC sign USMNT M Luca de la Torre

Charlotte FC acquired midfielder Luca de la Torre from LaLiga side Celta Vigo on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old U.S. men's national team veteran is under contract through June 2029 with an option for the 2030 season.

He spent last season on loan with San Diego FC and tallied five goals and one assist in 30 MLS matches (24 starts).

To complete the deal, Charlotte acquired his league rights from San Diego for $50,000 in general allocation money.

"Luca is entering the prime of his career and will bolster our midfield as he brings technical ability, experience from a top league in the world, and a knowledge and understanding of Major League Soccer," Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta said.

"He compliments the existing players we have in our squad as he is a versatile central midfielder who connects play and excels in progressing the ball. We want to continue to be a destination for USMNT players and Luca is another who is looking forward to playing in the Queen City."

Internationally, de la Torre has one goal in 32 caps with the U.S. squad. He made the roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and featured at the 2024 Copa America and 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Before coming to MLS, he tallied seven goals and 16 assists in 150 matches across Europe with Spain's Celta (2022-25), the Netherlands' Heracles Almelo (2020-22) and England's Fulham (2016-20).

Charlotte opens the 2026 MLS season on Feb. 21 at St. Louis City.

--Field Level Media