San Diego FC acquire Gabriel Pirani from DC United

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Major League Soccer

9 July 2026

By Justin Ruderman

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:

Trade

San Diego FC

have acquired midfielder

Gabriel Pirani

from

D.C. United

, the clubs announced Thursday.

In exchange for the 24-year-old former Brazil youth international, D.C. receive up to $1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) that breaks down as $350k guaranteed and $650k conditional.

D.C. also retain a sell-on percentage in Pirani, who will occupy a U22 Initiative roster spot for San Diego.

"Gabriel is a player we’ve followed closely and believe is a great fit for our group," said San Diego sporting director Tyler Heaps.

"His creativity, technical ability, and attacking qualities will strengthen our competition within the squad as we prepare for a busy second half of the season. We’re excited to welcome him and his family to San Diego FC."

Pirani originally joined D.C. on

loan

in July 2023 before making the move

permanent

in January 2024.

Since signing, he has recorded 14g/7a in 78 regular-season matches. He lost his regular starting spot in 2026 under the new leadership of René Weiler (head coach) and Dr. Erkut Sogut (managing director of soccer operations).

Pirani previously amassed 8g/5a in 111 professional appearances across time with Fluminense, Cuiabá and boyhood club Santos in his native Brazil.

"We want to thank Gabriel for his contributions to the club since his arrival in 2023," said Sogut.

"We wish him all the best in San Diego and in the next chapter of his career. This trade provides us with valuable resources and roster flexibility as we continue to build our squad for 2026 and beyond."

Returning from the 2026

FIFA World Cup

break, San Diego are just outside the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs picture at 10th in the Western Conference (17 points). Meanwhile, D.C. hold the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference in ninth place (18 points).

San Diego return to MLS action on July 22 at the

Colorado Rapids

(9:30 pm ET |

Apple TV

) while D.C. travel to face

Houston Dynamo FC

that same night (8:30 pm ET |

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