MLS debut: San Diego FC makes bold move with rising USMNT goalkeeper signing | OneFootball

San Diego FC has delved into the transfer market, announcing the signing of goalkeeper CJ dos Santos, formerly of Inter Miami CF, in a deal involving $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2025. The acquisition represents another step in building a competitive roster for the club's inaugural Major League Soccer season.

At 24 years old, CJ dos Santos offers international experience, promising talent, and an interesting career path that connects Europe, the United States, and MLS. He now joins another young goalkeeper, Duran Ferree, just 18 years old and already seen as a rising USMNT prospect. Their competition and partnership are expected to strengthen the position within the Californian squad.

A strategic signing for San Diego FC?

It wasn't an accidental transfer, a fact highlighted by the sporting director of San Diego FC, Tyler Heaps: "CJ is an exciting goalkeeper with international experience who adds good depth to our squad," he stated. "We are tending to like what we see; we want him to be included on our roster as we will be competing hard for our maiden season in the league.

San Diego FC are preparing for their first MLS season, hence concentrating on players in whom further growth is expected, but at the same time, having experience to compete from the very first days. Dos Santos fits perfectly into this strategy.

CJ dos Santos is no stranger to major challenges: His career began in the United States, in Philadelphia Union Academy, before he gained international recognition with one of Portugal's top clubs, Benfica. Later, in 2016, he signed with Benfica, where he spent five years competing at various youth and reserve levels.

In January 2021, CJ made his professional debut for Benfica B in consecutive games in Portugal's second division. Previously, in 2018, he recorded a clean sheet in a UEFA Youth League match against AEK Athens.

His return to the United States came in 2022 when he joined Inter Miami CF. Although he made just three appearances for the first team between 2022 and 2024, Dos Santos was part of the squads that achieved Inter Miami’s first-ever titles: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, the latter achieved with a record 74 points in the regular MLS season.

Across all competitions, CJ totaled 31 appearances for Inter Miami CF and Inter Miami CF II, demonstrating his consistency and ability to perform in competitive environments.

A familiar face in the USMNT setup

What really adds to CJ dos Santos' value is his constant involvement with the USMNT youth system. The goalkeeper took part in two major international tournaments: the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, proving himself a solid option for the future of American goalkeeping.

This connection with the USMNT highlights why San Diego FC sees Dos Santos as an important asset. He is a rising talent who already carries the trust of national team coaches at various levels.

San Diego FC's future in MLS

The arrival of CJ dos Santos to San Diego FC cements the notion that the club is serious about building a balanced and competitive team. As a new franchise in MLS, each signing is strategic toward assuring them of competing at par with more established opponents.

Investing in players like CJ, who combine youth with international experience, San Diego FC has shown the way to go about building a solid base for the future without letting the present suffer.