Charlotte FC made it official on Tuesday: Luca de la Torre is coming to the Queen City.
The 27-year-old USMNT midfielder has signed a contract through June 30, 2029, with a club option for the 2029-30 season. The transfer fee from Celta de Vigo remains undisclosed, though Charlotte paid San Diego FC $50,000 in General Allocation Money for de la Torre's First Right of Refusal.
What Charlotte is getting
De la Torre spent last season on loan with San Diego, where he emerged as one of the most reliable midfielders in MLS. Across 37 appearances, he produced 5 goals and 2 assists while helping the expansion club reach the Western Conference Final — setting first-year records for wins and points along the way.
His performance didn't go unnoticed by the national team either. De la Torre started all six matches during the USMNT's 2025 Gold Cup runner-up campaign, logging 431 of a possible 540 minutes.
"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," said General Manager Zoran Krneta.
The European pedigree
Before his return to American soil, de la Torre built his career across three European leagues. He tallied 7 goals and 16 assists in 150 matches spanning Celta de Vigo (Spain), Heracles Almelo (Netherlands), and Fulham's academy system in England.
His time at Celta included 67 appearances with 4 goals and 9 assists, plus a standout showing during their 2024 Copa del Rey quarterfinals run.
Celta confirmed the departure with a brief statement: "We would like to thank the player for his commitment and wish him the best of luck in the new stage of his career."
The connection that brought him back
There's a familiar face waiting for de la Torre in Charlotte. Tim Ream, his former Fulham teammate, currently plays for the club. The two made their debuts together in the English Championship back in October 2017.
Charlotte opens the 2026 MLS season on February 21 at St. Louis City SC — marking the very first match of the new campaign.
For a club that exited the 2025 playoffs in the first round after finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference, adding a proven international midfielder signals clear intent to push deeper next season.