Diego Luna led the USMNT to the Gold Cup final by scoring three goals in two consecutive playoff matches — one against Costa Rica and two in the semifinal against Guatemala. His performances attracted interest from European clubs, and Tyler Adams has already issued a word of caution.
The USMNT captain has played overseas for six years, ever since he became one of the first players to move within the Red Bull network — from New York to RB Leipzig. He spent two seasons in Germany before joining Leeds United in 2022, and then signed with Bournemouth after a year in England.
In an interview with the New York Post, Adams shared his thoughts on the wave of young American players gaining momentum both in MLS and the USMNT, and their eventual moves to Europe — a path Diego Luna could soon follow.
“We have guys that were on loan, guys in MLS that want to move to Europe, and vice versa,” Adams said. “It’s just about finding that balance and understanding if it’s the right move for you to put yourself in the best position for the team next year.”
The list of American players who’ve succeeded in Europe at the top level — like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie — remains small. Over the past decade, only a few names like Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Tim Ream made a consistent impact, particularly in the Premier League.
Rumors currently link Diego Luna to Celta de Vigo, though no official move has been confirmed. With the summer transfer window open and European clubs seeking depth for the new season, Luna could make the jump abroad in the coming weeks — with the season starting in just over a month.
Spanish club Celta Vigo, who finished 7th in La Liga last season, are among European clubs interested in 21-year-old Real Salt Lake and USMNT attacker Diego Luna, per @tombogert pic.twitter.com/DOGOOqgXNF
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 10, 2025
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