Chicho Arango's move to San Jose Earthquakes could redefine MLS competition | OneFootball

The San Jose Earthquakes shook the market with the announcement of having signed one of the most lethal stars in MLS over the last few years: Chicho Arango. The 29-year-old Colombian forward comes into town with the mission of giving a new aire to the attacks now that head coach and sporting director Bruce Arena is at the helm.

In return for Arango, Real Salt Lake got $1.4 million in General Allocation Money (GAM), divided equally over the next two seasons, plus an international roster spot in 2026. But what makes this deal so impactful for the MLS and more importantly, the Earthquakes?

A headline-making signing

Chicho Arango isn't just a name in the league. His track record explains it all: 55 goals and 22 assists in 99 MLS games-one regular season and playoffs-so far, making the forward synonomous with attacking efficiency. He made his name at LAFC, winning the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield, gaining MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2021.

In 2023, Arango continued his scoring ways for Real Salt Lake, despite a very controversial suspension in July for violating the MLS Anti-Harassment Policy. He ended the season with an impressive 17 goals and 12 assists in 30 matches, securing sixth place in the Golden Boot race and solidifying his position as one of the league's top forwards.

Bruce Arena didn’t hold back in praising his new addition: “We’re thrilled to add one of the top scorers in Major League Soccer, Chicho Arango. With his ability to score and set up his teammates, he’ll provide another strong option for our attack.”

Immediate impact on San Jose

Arango's arrival at San Jose Earthquakes is much more than just numbers. He is the missing link in an attack that, although featuring players like Cristian Espinoza and Hernán López, has been missing a goal-scoring forward who could decide matches.

For the last few seasons, Jeremy Ebobisse had been the first-team forward for them. However, his move to LAFC this window opened the slot for an expected frontline renovation. Arango fills in the gap as he takes center stage to upgrade San Jose Earthquakes' offense to the next level.

In addition, his experience in high-profile games, including MLS playoffs and creating opportunities for teammates as well, finish him off as a complete center-forward. More than just goal-scoring - he's a playmaker as well, probably one of the big reasons Bruce Arena signed him looking at the bigger picture.

The fresh start challenge

But it couldn't even help Chicho Arango avoid difficulties during his tenure with Real Salt Lake. A 2023 suspension was the blip on what had otherwise been a pretty spotless record, one that he is now free to remove at San Jose. To the player, this move is a way of rewriting his story in the league, and his enthusiasm for this new chapter eminently shined in his statement:

I'm very excited to take up this new challenge with everyone in the club, with all the fans, with my family in San Jose. I really hope we're able to accomplish great things."

This mentality in pursuit of fresh goals and the power to overcome adversities of old will be something the Earthquakes can use in field and off it.

Reach on the landscape of MLS

The deal for Chicho Arango underlines a more dynamic MLS transfer market. A high-profile transfer of this nature shows how much more prepared the league seems toward spending big on roster development.

With Arango gone, Real Salt Lake has wasted no time in reshuffling their attack. The mantle falls on Diego Luna, Diogo Gonçalves, and Dominik Marczuk to lead the offense of the team, while Andrés Gómez was transferred to Stade Rennais in a multi-million-dollar deal.

To the San Jose Earthquakes, Arango's signing spells ambition and an intention to be competitive. As the 2025 season looms, this Colombian forward might be that important piece of the jigsaw to change potential into actual results.