TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The San Jose Earthquakes have acquired attacking midfielder Javier Eduardo "Chofis" Lopez from Chivas Guadalajara, the club announced Wednesday.
Lopez, 26, is a product of Chivas' youth system and had spent his entire career with the storied club. He had 21 goals and 12 assists in 185 games and is a No. 10. Quakes manager Matias Almeyda worked with Lopez during his time as Chivas boss from 2015-18.
“We have followed Eduardo for two years and he is as excited to come to San Jose as we are to bring him,” GM Jesse Fioranelli said in a club statement. “He is a dynamic attacking midfielder in his prime and will be competing for a team other than Chivas for the first time in his career. We’re confident that he will benefit from the opportunity to reunite with Matias, who he previously flourished under. We thoroughly evaluated this transfer over the past few months and appreciate Chivas’ effort and transparency throughout the process.”
Lopez was suspended from Chivas this past November following an allegation of sexual abuse made against teammate Dieter Villalpando at a party also attended by Lopez and three other teammates.
“I’m very happy about this new opportunity,” Lopez said. “Coming to San Jose is something very exciting for my career, for my family, even for my friends. It’s something new in my life. I’m going to give it my all. I’m eager to learn more about San Jose and to join the team. It will be a great joy to have Matias as a coach again as I know him better than any other coach I’ve played for. I also know by doing the right things, he will continue to help me in all aspects of my career.”
The midfielder is expected to fill the club's vacancy in attacking midfield after Magnus Eriksson was transferred to Swedish club Djurgardens IF this past August.
Lopez is the second player to join the Quakes from Chivas in as many years, following center back Oswaldo Alanis. Winger Carlos Fierro also worked under Almeyda at Chivas before coming to San Jose.
