Is Franco Negri the experienced talent San Diego FC needs for a strong MLS debut? | OneFootball

San Diego FC announced the signing of Franco Negri. This 29-year-old Argentine left-back will be at the club's disposal through 2025 and can be extended for another year in 2026. He has been selected in the 2024 MLS Re-Entry Draft (Stage 2), which is, again, another indication that this club is to focus on bringing a mix of experience and talent as it readies for the challenge of the league.

A seasoned left-back with a lot of potential to contribute. Negri might not be the name that screams headlines, but he has a profile that could be really valuable. After two seasons in Inter Miami, where he played 32 matches, scored 2 goals, and made 3 assists, the Argentine joins San Diego FC with versatility and dependability in tow. Competing for game time behind Jordi Alba, one of the position's all-time greats, Negri managed to shine when called upon. Sharing a dressing room with a global icon like Alba surely added maturity and tactical insight to his game.

His spells with Godoy Cruz and Newell's Old Boys in Argentina also reflect his ability to adapt to different systems and demands. In addition, holding a U.S. Green Card, Negri will not occupy an international roster spot, thus providing the team with more flexibility in forming their lineup.

What does San Diego FC expect from Negri?

Tyler Heaps, San Diego FC’s sporting director, made it clear that Negri wasn’t brought in just to fill a roster spot. “Franco has proven that he can be a key contributor at left-back during his career, and we’re excited to add him to our current roster”, Heaps said. He further emphasized Negri’s ability to impact both defensively and offensively, along with his leadership qualities on and off the field.

This dual-threat profile perfectly fits the bill for MLS, where fullbacks need to know how to operate at both ends of the pitch. If Negri can continue to carry himself with poise that Heaps believes he has, then he will likely be an integral cog in Mikey Varas'.

San Diego FC doesn't begin its MLS journey until February 2025, but everything is already happening behind closed doors. The addition of veterans like Franco Negri signals an intentional approach to building a foundation before kicking off. The Argentine will bring MLS experience and a professional withstanding in testing surroundings, like Argentina's domestic leagues.

Is Negri enough?

The major question is whether Franco Negri has what it takes to stand out in a team still finding its footing. While he certainly has his strengths, he's not a transformative player who can alter games on his own. His time at Inter Miami was steady if not particularly impactful; for a new team looking to navigate the uncharted waters of this year, this could be either a stabilizing asset or a limiting factor.

On the other side of the coin, San Diego FC may present the perfect situation for Negri to play better. He can get more game time and additional minutes with greater responsibilities, thereby making him emerge from the shadow of players like Jordi Alba and show his capabilities on the field. The challenge now lies in head coach Mikey Varas's plan to create a system that allows him to take the best advantage of his skills and abilities.