Luca Before You Leap: de la Torre at Celta Vigo

Less that, more "expansion team looking to make a splash with currently out-of-favor hometown kid."

It has more logic to it than the usual American-to-MLS rumor. Same vibes as Ream being linked to St. Louis forever.

 

He had a good season but it now sounds like he might being shut out. This part of the game sucks does Celta really think they can do just fine not even using him as a squad player?....I'm guessing a good Eredivisie club could use him? Maybe a league that isn't too fast...so maybe Serie A?

 

Has been fighting an injury for a while:

http://www.moiceleste.com/2024/09/preocupacion-por-la-evolucion-de-la.html

 

He's not going to be healthy for at least another 2 weeks.

 

Apparently close to being medically cleared. Also still considering a move to San Diego in January.

Given all our midfield options, he's clearly fallen down the pecking order at the USMNT.

https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/football/2069513-mls-s-new-franchise-keeps-interest-in-de-la-torre

 

Before the injury, he scored a goal for the USMNT, then started the next game. Tillman and Aaronson, have not outperformed him.

 

I don't think the new coach of Celta has a lot of interest in him, which is too bad, but happens to the best of players (see Puli, Dest, etc.). Here's to hoping he lands on his feet. Given how well the jump from bottom feeder in the Netherlands to mid-table in Spain went, I'm not too worried.

Likely both these things are true. Tillman, Johnny, Tessman, Luca, are all right there. It's a nice problem.

 

With as many injuries as the team has we need quality depth everywhere.

 

Back in training:

 

Finally! Just in time to be sold in the January window

Apro pros of nothing, LdT with a top, top beard.

 

Off the bench in a cup match:

🔄 Novo dobre troco by @GrupoRecalvi

🔺 Fer López y Luca de la Torre
🔻 Sotelo e Pablo Durán

62' ⋄ 0-3 ⋄ #UDSCelta pic.twitter.com/oUzPLIKmUA

— RC Celta (@RCCelta) December 3, 2024

Up 6-0 in the 84th. Match is on ESPN+.

 

And an assist, no less, in his return to action. It was a cutback pass by one Gonzalez that LDLT tried to dummy to another wide open Gonzalez behind him, but it slightly clipped his foot on the way by. Gonzalez #2 finishes and LDLT gets one of the most delicate assists you'll see.

 

He can play. And he knows he can play.

 

Club working hard to remind us he's still there:

 

This doesn't look like a picture from a club that's ready to kick him to the curb.

 

Teams regularly use players for their marketing materials when they get new jerseys and sell them before those jerseys are ever used in a game. Wouldn't read into it too much.

 

Luca on the bench as Celta hosts Mallorca. Celta up 1-0 at the half.

 

Off the bench:

RC Celta
@rccelta

Dobre troco by @GrupoRecalvi

>> Mihailo e Luca de la Torre
<< Hugo Álvarez e Beltrán

86' 2-0 #CeltaMallorca

 

Two games in a row he's seen the field. Baby steps, but frankly baby steps I was afraid he wouldn't get to take under the new manager.

 

Did not play but enjoyed the view from the bench today against Sevilla.

 

LdlT on the bench again today, Celta Vigo (11th) visiting Rayo Vallecano (T-12th).

 

And remained on the bench for 90

 

He's in a vulnerable position. However, a player just coming off injury who has only one appearance this season will not be attractive to any club outside MLS. LDLT is valued at $1.5M.

 

Bogert is reporting that LDLT to SD on a loan-to-buy is just about "done":

🇺🇸⚫️ BREAKING: San Diego FC are nearing a deal to sign USMNT center mid Luca de la Torre on loan from Celta Vigo, per sources.

Deal agreed, pending paperwork being completed. Includes a purchase option.

De la Torre, 26, made 67 apps with Celta. https://t.co/9bJlkXhz8z

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 14, 2025