Source: El Paso Locomotive FC sell Diego Luna to MLS club Real Salt Lake
EL PASO, Texas - El Paso Locomotive FC's Diego Luna is headed to the biggest stage in American soccer.
Sources confirm to ABC-7's Nate Ryan that Luna, 18, has been sold to MLS club Real Salt Lake. Sources tell Ryan that it will be the largest USL transfer fee in league history.
Per source, El Paso Locomotive FC midfielder Diego Luna has been sold to MLS-club Real Salt Lake. I’m told it will be largest transfer fee in USL league history.
— Nate Ryan (@nateryansports) June 1, 2022
Luna, 18, is among USL’s elite since signing to El Paso in 2021. A major move in 🇺🇸 soccer. Details to come.
Luna has scored four goals in 10 games this season for Locomotive FC, who signed the California native to a professional contract last season from the FC Barcelona Academy in Casagrande Academy.
In addition to playing for Locomotive, Luna has spent time with the United States Under-20 Men's National Team.
Real Salt Lake is reportedly shelling out big money for Luna, whose dazzling skillset has been on display since signing with El Paso in April of 2021.
In 32 appearances in 2021, Luna totaled nine goals and five assists as one of the youngest players in the USL Championship.
In a more prominent role under new coach John Hutchinson in 2022, Luna has been the central focus of the El Paso attack.
Hutchinson has even gone as far as calling Luna the best player in USL.
"The best player in USL hands down," said Hutchinson of Luna on May 7th. "18 years old, it doesn't matter."
"I've said this previously, he's very very lucky," added Hutchinson, who spent time in the Seattle Sounders (MLS) coaching ranks before joining Locomotive. "Diego's reaping the benefits of being around top quality pros."
"If I'm coaching in MLS.......you've watched him for 16 months now, he's a great kid and a wonderful footballer."
Real Salt Lake is adding Luna to an already talented roster. RSL currently stands in third place in the MLS Western Conference, but have scored just 17 goals in 14 matches.
Of all MLS teams with winning records, that number is tied for last.
Luna should certainly aid that cause.
