San Diego FC abandon Erick Gutiérrez pursuit – second option already secured

Simon Barber/GettyImages

San Diego FC will debut in the MLS 2025 season in two months, and in the meantime, they continue working on shaping their roster.

Tyler Heaps has already revealed that they aim to sign top players, as long as it is balanced with giving opportunities to young talents.

Andrés Reyes is expected to be one of the young players who shines with San Diego FC, having been selected from NY Red Bulls in the MLS Expansion Draft.

However, rumours about potential star signings from both Liga MX and Europe continue to grow.

Just hours ago, it was revealed that San Diego FC is interested in signing Brandon Vázquez from Monterrey, though he wouldn’t be the only Mexican league player they’re eyeing… or were eyeing.


(Photo by Svein Ove Ekornesvåg)

Heine Gikling Bruseth is Erick Gutiérrez’s replacement at San Diego FC

According to recent statements from the SanDiego.Futbol podcast, San Diego FC has dropped the idea of signing Eric Gutiérrez from Chivas.

Instead, the new MLS franchise will rely on Heine Gikling Bruseth due to his qualities as a box-to-box midfielder.

The folks at SanDiego.Futbol explained that the reason San Diego FC abandoned the pursuit of Eric Gutiérrez is the high price Chivas would demand.

At the beginning of December, it was reported that San Diego FC had finalized the signing of Eric Gutiérrez. However, as we’ve mentioned, the deal has apparently fallen through.


The club based at Snapdragon Stadium will rely on young talents developed through their scouting efforts within the Right to Dream Academy, which has scouts in both Europe and North America.


What to expect from Heine Gikling Bruseth at San Diego FC

Gikling Bruseth had a strong performance in 2024 in the Norwegian league, where he represented Kristiansund.

The 20-year-old midfielder played 15 matches, starting in 11 of them, averaging 61 minutes per game. Gikling Bruseth was named to SofaScore’s Team of the Week twice during these matches.

The current San Diego FC midfielder scored two goals and provided one assist in those 15 appearances.

Gikling Bruseth is currently valued at 1.20 million euros, although Orlando City initially acquired him for 1.70 million euros from Kristiansund.

The player’s heatmap, as seen on SofaScore, is evidence that he can function as a box-to-box midfielder, as he appears almost everywhere on the pitch.

At just 20 years old, he deserves the benefit of the doubt, as what he has shown so far has been positive.