SAN DIEGO (Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026) – San Diego FC (SDFC) announced today that the Club has transferred defender Luca Bombino to EFL Championship side Stoke City on a permanent transfer, with SDFC retaining a future sell-on percentage.
“This transfer represents the kind of long-term, player-focused development that is central to our Club’s strategy and vision,” said SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps. “Over the past 18 months, Luca has developed tremendously, and this opportunity reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in his growth. I want to thank our scouting and coaching staff for their continued investment in Luca and for creating the environment that allowed him to reach this point. We’re grateful to Luca for his contributions to San Diego FC, both on and off the field. We wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter at Stoke City.”
Bombino, 20, first joined SDFC on Feb. 25, 2025, on loan from LAFC for the Club’s inaugural 2025 season, with a permanent transfer option in exchange for a 2025 International Roster Slot. He made his SDFC and MLS debut off the bench in the 73rd minute of a 3-1 road victory over Real Salt Lake on March 2, 2025, at America First Field.
He went on to make 32 appearances (30 starts), recording two goals and three assists across all competitions, including five starts and one assist in the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Bombino was the only player under the age of 22 to make 33 appearances across all competitions for SDFC, earning himself a spot on MLS’ 22 Under 22 list.
On Jan. 22, SDFC re-signed defender Bombino to a contract extension guaranteed through the 2028-29 season, with Club options for the 2029-30 season.
In 2026, Bombino has made 17 regular-season appearances (13 starts), recording one goal and two assists. Overall, he has made 56 appearances, including 48 starts, and recorded five goals and six assists across all competitions in two seasons with SDFC. His 2026 campaign also includes two goals in six appearances in Leagues Cup and one goal and two assists in four starts in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Fans can show their support for No. 27 Luca Bombino with 27% off his SDFC jersey for a limited time at EighteenThreads.com.
TRANSACTION: SDFC transfer defender Luca Bombino to EFL Championship side Stoke City on a permanent transfer, with SDFC retaining a future sell-on percentage.
