With just over 11 months until its inaugural match, San Diego Football Club (SDFC) is gearing up for its debut season by expanding its roster. The latest Major League Soccer additions come from two seasoned soccer players from Denmark.
Marcus Ingvartsen, a 28-year-old forward known for his goal-scoring prowess, and Jeppe Tverskov, a 30-year-old defensive midfielder renowned for his tenacity on the field, have officially joined San Diego FC from FC Nordsjaelland (FCN).
The acquisition of these talented players marks a significant step forward for the club as it prepares to make its mark in the MLS.
Mohamed Mansour, SDFC's primary shareholder, maintains substantial connections with FCN owing to his involvement in financing the Right to Dream Academy. The Egyptian billionaire has committed $120 million to the Right to Dream youth concept and is constructing an academy for SDFC on the Sycuan reservation in eastern San Diego County.
Key Additions from Denmark's Top Division
In December, the Major League Soccer expansion team made a significant move by signing 17-year-old goalkeeper Duran Ferree, demonstrating its dedication to nurturing top local talent.
The club's commitment to implementing RTD's unique soccer style extends to these new members. Both players have impressive backgrounds, having spent their entire professional careers in Denmark.
Ingvartsen started his career at FCN before stints in Belgium and Germany. 13 goals were added to the club's tally last year due to the player's 30 performances following his comeback.
The Danish defensive midfielder Jeppe Tverskov began his professional football career with Randers FC. Subsequently, he spent several years honing his skills at Odense BK before signing a contract with FC Nordsjaelland last summer.
Incorporating Right to Dream Academy's unique soccer philosophy into the gameplay of the newly acquired Danish players Marcus Ingvartsen and Jeppe Tverskov poses a challenge for San Diego FC.
According to Mads Davidsen, the global head of football at Right to Dream Academy, San Diego FC possesses a distinctive playing style with a significant competitive advantage. Davidsen, who discussed the matter in January, highlighted the team's unique approach to the game.
San Diego FC found itself in the position of renegotiating contracts for its recently acquired Danish players to align their salaries with Major League Soccer's salary cap regulations.
Despite their talents, neither Ingvartsen nor Tverskov has been designated marquee signings on San Diego FC's MLS payroll, emphasizing the team's commitment to maintaining financial prudence while bolstering its roster. This strategic approach underscores the club's dedication to building a competitive team within the confines of league regulations.
Transition Period for New Players
Both players will finish the current season with FCN, which currently holds the fourth position in Denmarkâs top division, and will remain there until the first part of the 2024-25 season before joining SDFC for training camp in January. Marcus Ingvartsen has secured a three-year contract extending through the 2027 MLS season, with a club option available through 2029, while Jeppe Tverskov has inked a two-year deal.
Reflecting on his time at the Right to Dream Academy, Marcus Ingvartsen is eager to apply the innovative soccer techniques he learned there to San Diego FC. He believes this unique background will be a valuable asset for the Major League Soccer expansion team.
Marcus Ingvartsen expressed eagerness to leverage his extensive experience with the unique soccer approach and the Right to Dream Academy methodology to benefit San Diego FC.
Potential Recruitments
As San Diego FC gears up for its inaugural season in Major League Soccer, the club remains proactive in its recruitment efforts, with potential plans to acquire additional talented individuals from FC Nordsjaelland to bolster its competitive roster.
In anticipation of its entry into Major League Soccer, San Diego FC is poised to make pivotal appointments in the weeks ahead. The club is set to unveil its new sporting director and head coach, marking a crucial step in preparing for the upcoming season.
