San Diego FC Pulls a Surprise with Hidden Gem Midfielder from Europe | OneFootball

San Diego FC just made a pretty exciting move by signing Finnish midfielder Onni Valakari, a name that might not ring a bell for most soccer fans in the U.S., but one that's coming with a lot of hype. He’s got a mix of achievements, some slick skills, and a whole lot of potential to make waves in the league. But who exactly is this Valakari, and what can he bring to the team?

At 25, Valakari has already played for a solid range of clubs across Europe, from the small-time Tromsø IL in Norway to his most recent stint at Pafos FC in Cyprus, where he won the Cyprus Cup in the 2023-24 season. Oh, and let’s not forget his recent loan to AIK Fotboll in Sweden, just to spice up his resume a little more.

With 68 goals and 25 assists in 252 pro matches, it’s clear this guy knows how to find the back of the net, and, even more importantly, how to create space for his teammates. He’s exactly the kind of player MLS clubs are always on the lookout for: skilled, enough experience to handle the pressure, but young enough to grow alongside the league.

You don’t see many expansion teams like San Diego FC taking a chance on someone like Valakari so early. Most first-year teams play it safe with veterans, those guys with MLS experience or names that fans already know.

San Diego is clearly tapping into the European market's intelligence, especially in the less-glamorous leagues where it’s easier to find talented players without breaking the bank.

And don’t forget the international experience. Valakari has played for Finland, appeared in the 2020 Euro Cup, and has 11 caps and 1 goal for his country. Is that a lot? Maybe not. But don’t sleep on the confidence boost that comes with playing for a European national team.

On the flip side, making the jump from European soccer to MLS isn’t always smooth sailing. The American league has its own unique rhythm, full of quirks, and plenty of players with strong numbers have struggled to adjust.

For Valakari, the real test will be adjusting his game to fit the physical and strategic demands of MLS. He’s known for his elegance on the field, almost like a maestro pulling the strings in midfield, but will that work in a league where speed and physicality are just as important as technique?

Beyond the impact Valakari might have on the field, this signing speaks volumes about San Diego FC’s ambitions as a club. They’re not just putting together a team to “show up” in the league. No, sir. They’re trying to establish an identity from day one.

Choosing young, technically gifted players with international experience shows that San Diego doesn’t want to be just another MLS team. They’re aiming for a model that balances potential with the creation of a competitive squad.

Now, with the roster coming together and preseason knocking on the door, all eyes are on San Diego FC’s debut match in the MLS. And what better way to kick things off than facing the LA Galaxy, the current MLS Cup champions? If there’s a tougher debut than this, I can’t think of it. Facing the Galaxy is a baptism by fire for any team, let alone one still figuring out its identity. For Valakari, this could be his big chance to shine or the start of a tougher adjustment period than expected.