San Diego FC bids for ‘extremely talented’ 19-year-old forward – debuted at 16 in Africa Cup of Nations

(Photo by FOX 5 San Diego)

San Diego FC continues to prepare for its debut season in MLS in 2025, but for now, they only have one Designated Player.

The newest franchise in Major League Soccer signed Hirving Lozano as their first-ever DP, and the Mexican forward will join the team soon.

In recent weeks, San Diego FC has announced some excellent picks in the MLS SuperDraft, along with other signings from the Expansion Draft.

However, they have yet to announce any other Designated Player besides Chucky Lozano.

A recent report, though, may shed some light on this topic, as SDFC has been linked to a talented 19-year-old player currently playing in European football.


San Diego FC reportedly made $1 million offer for Beyatt Lekoueiry

According to journalist Lorenzo Lepore, San Diego FC made a $1 million offer for Beyatt Lekoueiry, which was rejected by his club.

The 19-year-old forward currently plays for NK Istra 1961, a top-tier Croatian football team.

Lekoueiry, of Mauritanian nationality, has recorded 3 goals and 5 assists in 14 games in the Croatian top flight this season.

When he joined Istra, the young player was described as ‘extremely talented’ by sports director Saša Bjelanović, despite his age, as reported on the Istra IN portal.

Additionally, at just 16 years old, he made his debut for the senior national team in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The intention to sign Lekoueiry could be a sign that San Diego FC is considering a Young Designated Player, in addition to Chucky Lozano, who holds a regular DP spot.

Apparently, NK Istra 1961 has already rejected other offers for their young gem, so it seems it will be difficult to convince them to sell Lekoueiry. We will have to wait and see.


What are the first games of San Diego FC in the MLS 2025 season?

San Diego FC will kick off their MLS campaign on February 23, 2025, against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. Their first home match will be on March 1 against St. Louis CITY SC at Snapdragon Stadium.

SDFC will then travel to face Real Salt Lake on March 8, before returning to San Diego to host Columbus Crew on March 15. The team will finish this early stretch of the season with a trip to Austin FC on March 23 at Q2 Stadium.

All matches will be available on Apple TV – MLS Season Pass.