San Jose Earthquakes sign Peru international left back Marcos Lopez

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The San Jose Earthquakes announced the signing of Peruvian defender Marcos Lopez on Sunday, striking a multi-year deal using Targeted Allocation Money.

Now arriving from Peru… 🇵🇪

BREAKING: Earthquakes acquire Peru International left Back Marcos Lopez. Bienvenido, Marcos!

📰: https://t.co/JdaDT7Gz9f pic.twitter.com/kVJA67k6yn

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) January 6, 2019

“We’re very excited to welcome a young player of Marcos’ caliber to San Jose,” said Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda in a club statement. “His impressive play over the last few years gives us confidence that he’ll be an important contributor for us in the present and future.”

Lopez, 19, arrives in California fresh off a Peruvian league championship with Sporting Cristal, tallying five goals in 23 appearances. He joined the perennial title contenders in 2017 from Universidad San Martin de Porres, also of the first division.

A member of Peru’s squad at the 2017 South American U-20 Championship, Lopez received his first senior team call-up in 2018 for a friendly against Germany in September.

“For several months, we have put a lot of effort in scouting a left back that can have an immediate impact on both offense and defense,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “Marcos was a crucial player for Sporting Cristal, where he helped them win the Peruvian first division by contributing as a fullback, his natural position, and subsequently as a winger. Despite his young age, Marcos has already earned his spot with the national team under Ricardo Gareca. He held offers from European and South American clubs, which is why I am excited that Marcos committed to joining the Quakes on a long-term basis before the upcoming South American U-20 Championship.”