USMNT star Cade Cowell completes historic $4 million transfer to Liga MX giants Chivas - and will now play under one of David Beckham's former Real Madrid team-mates

Chivas has historically only signed players who belong to Mexico or boast of having a Mexican heritage. Although Cowell was born and raised in the United States, he has Mexican lineage through his mother. He even obtained a Mexican passport before moving to Chivas.

“I’m very thankful for everyone at the Earthquakes, from the coaching staff to the fans, for being there for me and my family every step of the way,” said Cowell in a San Jose Earthquakes press release.

“You’ve watched me grow up from my first days in the Quakes Academy and helped push and inspire me to have the success I’ve enjoyed as a Homegrown Player. We’ve shared so many great memories and I’ve built so many lifelong friends that will always have a special place in my heart.”

Cowell has been allotted the No. 16 jersey at Chivas, and will now train under Fernando Gago, who was once a team-mate of current Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham at Real Madrid. He had been practising under Gregg Berhalter with the USMNT last week, as part of preparations for the friendly against Slovenia, but left the camp prematurely to complete his transfer to Chivas.

Cowell was a first-team regular at San Jose, and has 10 goals and 15 assists to his name across 104 regular-season appearances. He has also represented the USMNT on eight occasions, after making his debut in 2021.

Cowell will look to hit the ground running and make an instant impact when Chivas take on Tigres UNAL on Sunday in a league encounter away from home. The 20-year-old could put himself into contention for a spot in the USMNT squad for the Copa America if he can deliver the goods in Liga MX over the next few months.