Stoke City have completed the signing of American left-back Luca Bombino from San Diego FC. The move brings a former United States youth international to the bet365 Stadium as the club seeks to address a difficult start to the Championship season.
Bombino, 20, arrives after making 43 appearances for San Diego FC in Major League Soccer, contributing two goals and five assists. He added another assist during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, where his former club reached the Western Conference Finals. The defender was also part of the American contingent at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, gaining valuable international tournament experience.
Stoke's defence has been under severe pressure in the early stages of the campaign. The team sits 24th in the Championship with zero points from three games, having lost each of those opening fixtures. They have conceded nine goals while scoring only three, resulting in a -6 goal difference that leaves them bottom of the table. This defensive frailty was a clear factor in the club's decision to enter the market. The current injury list, which includes defenders Axel Cresswell and Josh Tchamadeu, further complicated matters.
Bombino offers pace, attacking width, and a proven ability to contribute in the final third from a defensive position. His five assists last season in MLS demonstrate a capacity to create chances. He joins a position group where established US international Antonee Robinson of Fulham is considered the top option for the senior national team. Bombino's immediate task is to secure a starting role at Stoke and build form. Reports suggest he may not receive a USMNT call-up during the September and October international window, but a strong start with his new club could change that ahead of the Nations League campaign.
The club's form makes this signing an urgent priority. After being eliminated from the EFL Cup in the second round by Hull City, Stoke's league fortunes have not improved. Their most recent defeat was a 4-1 loss to Wolves. The gap to the playoff positions, which run from 3rd to 8th place, is already five points. The next challenge is a mid-week home game against 16th-placed Norwich City, followed by a match against Charlton Athletic, who have won all three of their opening fixtures. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page.
Integration into the squad and an immediate impact are expected. His first potential Championship appearance at the bet365 Stadium could come on October 13th against Middlesbrough. That match presents an interesting subplot, as Middlesbrough's left-back Max Arfsten plays alongside American teammates Sebastian Berhalter, Rokas Pukstas, and Aidan Morris. If Bombino starts confidently for Stoke and outperforms Arfsten in that mid-October fixture, it could strengthen his case for a senior USMNT call. For now, the focus is on halting Stoke's poor run. The team is nine points behind early leaders Charlton, and turning around their season starts with shoring up a leaky defence. Fans can track the club's progress in the standings as the campaign develops.
