Earthquakes Loan Star Striker Arango to Colombian Club

Arango, who scored 13 goals for San Jose last season, returns to his native Medellin on loan with purchase option.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The San Jose Earthquakes have loaned forward Chicho Arango, their top scorer from last season, to Colombian club Atlético Nacional. Arango, a native of Medellin where Nacional is based, had recently signed a new contract with the Earthquakes through 2027. The loan includes a purchase option on Arango's contract.

Why it matters

The Earthquakes are losing their top two scorers from last season, with Arango's loan and the departure of Josef Martinez. This leaves the team with significant holes to fill in their attack ahead of the new MLS season.

The details

Arango, who scored 13 goals for the Earthquakes in 2025, is returning to his native Colombia on loan to Atlético Nacional. The loan includes a purchase option on Arango's contract, which runs through 2027 with club options for two additional seasons. The team cited personal reasons for Arango's return to Medellin.

  • Arango signed a new contract with the Earthquakes mere weeks ago.
  • The loan move comes just before the MLS transfer deadline on Monday.

The players

Chicho Arango

A forward who scored 13 goals for the San Jose Earthquakes last season.

Atlético Nacional

A professional soccer club based in Medellin, Colombia, Arango's hometown.

Josef Martinez

The Earthquakes' other top scorer from last season with 14 goals, who recently signed with Tijuana in Liga MX.

Cristian Espinoza

The Earthquakes' former team captain who signed with Nashville in free agency.

Timo Werner

A major new signing for the Earthquakes, a German forward brought in to help fill the attacking void.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Earthquakes will head to the Coachella Valley Invitational for preseason games this week ahead of their regular-season opener on February 21 against Sporting Kansas City.

The takeaway

The Earthquakes are facing significant roster turnover, losing their top two scorers from last season, which will put pressure on new signing Timo Werner and others to step up and fill the void in the attack.