San Diego FC complete double MLS signing ahead of regular season return | OneFootball

Regarding the semifinals of the World Cup, where France will battle against Spain for a place in the finals, on the other side, Argentina still needs to play Switzerland, and England has to play Norway; the MLS is still on the move with a new transfer market on the horizon.

One club that is moving quickly to sign players is Columbus Crew, with two signings and one departure.

However, the Crew isn’t the only one reinforcing its team; San Diego FC has signed two players.

San Diego FC signed Gabriel Pirani and Ian Murphy

Let's start with the earliest one, even though it happened this week, which is defender Ian Murphy. He arrives from the Colorado Rapids.

“San Diego FC announced today that the Club has acquired defender Ian Murphy from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for Charlotte FC’s natural second-round pick in the 2027 MLS SuperDraft previously acquired by SDFC on April 10, 2026. Additionally, SDFC could pay up to $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) if certain performance metrics are met.”

A significant drop from last season’s performance, SDFC has slipped to 10th place and is currently outside the MLS postseason playoff spots.

This season, Murphy played two games with the Rapids, recording zero goals or assists. Throughout his MLS career, the 26-year-old defender appeared in 22 matches for the Colorado Rapids and 105 for FC Cincinnati, where he showcased his best form.

On the other side of the coin, we have the other recent signing: Gabriel Pirani from D.C. United.

The official announcement stated that Pirani is guaranteed through 2026 with options through 2027 from D.C. United in exchange for $350,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2026 and up to an additional $650,000 in GAM if criteria are met.

However, unlike Murphy, Pirani won’t occupy a first-team spot but will fill a U-22 Roster Slot, and DC United retain a future sell-on percentage if certain conditions are met.

This season, the prospect from Santos FC has played eight games without recording goals or assists. Although the headline might make you think he is a classic defensive midfielder, he is not. The Brazilian plays primarily as an attacking midfielder, although he can also play as a center forward or a right winger.

Although he didn’t have a great year, Pirani participated in 83 clashes, where he scored 15 goals (an all-time career high) and delivered four assists.