San Diego FC coach Mikey Varas spoke for the entire organization in November, when he said the decision to keep defender Luca Bombino rather than return him to LAFC was a “no-brainer.”
So, too, is Thursday’s decision to extend the young defender so he can stay with SDFC for years.
Bombino and SDFC have agreed to a new contract that will run through the 2028-29 season, with club options for the 2029-30 season.
The 19-year-old Bombino started 30 matches across all competitions for SDFC in 2025, scoring two goals and logging three assists. He started all five MLS Cup playoff matches at fullback.
“From the day he arrived, Luca has shown a strong work ethic and a willingness to improve”, said SDFC sporting director Tyler Heaps. “He has consistently demonstrated quality, professionalism, and an understanding of our identity as a club. We see Luca as an important part of our sporting project, and this extension reflects the trust we have in Luca, both as a player and as a person.”
SDFC initially acquired Bombino on loan from LAFC last February, surrendering an international roster spot for the right to keep Bombino for just one season.
The deal included a permanent trade option, which SDFC triggered in November. The price was steep: SDFC gave up $200,000 to keep Bombino’s rights while giving LAFC a future sell-on percentage that could net San Diego’s SoCal rival up to another $900,000 depending on how Bombino fares.
Bombino is the latest SDFC standout to receive a new contract. In the last two weeks, the club has agreed to multi-year contract extensions for Varas and star winger Anders Dreyer and agreed to a new one-year deal with forward Emanuel Boateng. Though Boateng appeared in just 15 matches in 2025, he is considered a leader in the locker room and one of the team’s most admired players. He won SDFC’s Great Teammate Award following the club inaugural season.
Said Heaps: “His commitment to the Club, his teammates, and our values is evident every day, and we are happy to continue this journey with him as we build toward the future.”
SDFC opens Concacaf Champions Cup play Feb. 3 with the first of two matches against Pumas UNAM of Liga MX. SDFC’s MLS opener against CF Montreal is set for Feb. 21.