Valakari was successful in his loan spell in MLS.
Onni Valakari’s career continues in San Diego. PDO
Also seen in the Finnish national team this year Onni Valakari continue his career in the United States. San Diego FC wanted to keep Valakari, who was on loan, and bought him now from Cypriot Pafos.
According to information from Iltalehti, San Diego paid Pafos 1.5 million euros for the attacking midfielder.
Valakari, 26, moved to San Diego on loan in January. The season was successful. San Diego won the Western Conference and advanced to the semifinals in the playoffs. Vancouver Whitecaps advanced from the semi-final match.
In the regular season, Valakari played in 34 matches, most of them in the opening game. There were four goals and eight assists leading to goals. In five playoff matches, Valakari scored 1+1.
– San Diego convinced me from the first day. There is a football boom in the city: the fans are incredibly passionate and the stadium is full almost every week, Valakari tells Iltalehte.
The new contract extends to the 2028 season and includes an option for the 2029 season.
Easy decision
The finished MLS season was also San Diego’s first in the major league. The club was founded in the spring of 2023.
– The club’s ambition and their trust in me made a big impression. The season was great, and to be successful in such a high-quality series was special.
There was enough demand from other places as well, but according to Valakari, the decision to continue was easy.
– When San Diego announced that they wanted to buy me from Pafos, it immediately felt like the right move. I got a big role during the season, and the club believed in me throughout the season. Here I can develop in the best possible way.
Before Valakari’s transfer was confirmed, he was the first to report on the matter in Finland MTV Sports.
Valakari has played 13 matches in the Finnish A national team and scored one goal.
Onni Valakarin enjoys living in California. SPG