San Diego FC keeps making noise, building toward their MLS inaugural in February 2025. The latest addition to the roster is 21-year-old midfielder Alejandro Alvarado Jr., who joins directly from Portugal's FC Vizela. Young, promising, and with experience on the U.S. U-20 national team, Alvarado Jr. is exactly the kind of investment a new club needs to establish its identity on the field.
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Rising Talent
Signed for two years with options through 2027/28, Alvarado Jr. is no stranger to the U.S. soccer scene. A product of the LA Galaxy Academy, where he spent five years honing his craft, he's familiar with the demands of a competitive environment. His overseas experience includes 11 matches for Vizela and 12 for SC Vianense, infusing a touch of Europe into his game that could add an important dimension to the team's quest for technical skill versus intensity.
But the question, of course, is what made Alejandro Alvarado Jr. the right selection for San Diego FC. Though his youth and his versatility are positives, perhaps what's most convincing is his sense of uncompleted potential. This is the type of bold and forward-thinking project that in many ways parallels what San Diego seems to be building for the future-something attuned toward market opportunities.
Building a good base
San Diego FC is building for an inaugural MLS season thoughtfully: Each of its signings to this point has had a calculated aim at placing the building blocks within while allowing room to grow. In Alvarado Jr., his international experience coupled with training at arguably one of the more respected academies in the United States fits this mold.
Sporting Director Tyler Heaps made it clear the club sees potential in the young midfielder: “Alejandro is talented, technical, and has a bright future ahead of him. We’re excited to work with him and continue his development at San Diego FC.”
Focused on the present, planning for the future
Signing a player like Alvarado Jr. is not only a tactical choice; with his experience of having played for the U.S. U-20 national team and contributing to winning the 2022 CONCACAF Championship, he has already shown that he can shine on big stages. This type of player can bring results immediately and, if developed rightly, become precious for future transfers.
Another interesting fact is that Vizela retained a percentage of his future sale-a belief by the Portuguese club that indeed Alvarado Jr. had some great potential. This confidence from the outside indeed underpins the feeling that San Diego might have made a great investment in the youngster.
A touch of irony
The first MLS match for San Diego FC will be against LA Galaxy, the club where Alvarado Jr. started his journey. It is a coincidence that adds an extra layer of narrative to the young midfielder's debut.
This opener will also serve as an interesting test for San Diego FC as a whole. Coming up against one of the most storied franchises in the league in the first round is a prime opportunity to make a statement.