Where does Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano go next? Five realistic options for San Diego FC and Mexico forward

According to ESPN, Cruz Azul were offered Lozano and expressed interest, but his salary and a potential transfer fee currently present major obstacles. The club lacks a winger with Lozano’s profile, and his skill set would be a natural fit in Nicolás Larcamón’s attack-minded system. However, Lozano’s $7.6 million salary, including bonuses, is well above Cruz Azul’s wage structure, meaning the veteran would likely need to take a significant pay cut to make a move feasible.

Former Mexico manager Gerardo Martino has returned to the helm at Atlanta United after a disappointing campaign that left the club near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. With the Argentine back in charge, the franchise is looking to reset its project, and - according to reports - Lozano’s pace and explosiveness on the wings have emerged as an area of interest for the club. It also helps that Martino has previously coached the forward. 

Tigres have also been mentioned as a potential contender, having previously explored a move for the winger. The Monterrey-based club is known for being one of the biggest spenders in Mexican soccer, making them one of the few teams capable of matching Lozano’s salary demands. 

Lozano could also be an ideal fit for Toluca, led by Antonio “Turco” Mohamed. While he hasn't been directly linked yet, the club's ambition to remain dominant domestically while pushing for continental success in CONCACAF could play a role in their potential pursuit for the 30-year-old.