Cade Cowell joins Liga MX giants Chivas - First USMNT player for the Rojiblancos

It is now official. San Jose Earthquakes star striker Cade Cowell will continue his career with Liga MX giants Chivas. After attending Chivas' home game against Santos Laguna on the weekend (1-1) both sides made the transfer official on Tuesday. The Quakes are set to receive $4m (€3.65m) plus future incentives for the 20-year-old forward. Cowell will become the first active USMNT player for the Rojiblancos.

“We want to thank Cade for everything he has given to the San Jose Earthquakes,” said Quakes general manager Chris Leitch, who oversaw the Quakes Academy as technical director when Cowell first joined the club in a club statement. “To be able to witness firsthand his exponential growth and development as a player and person both on and off the field over the years has been an absolute joy. He’s made an indelible impression on the club and we wish him and his family nothing but success in his next chapter.”

Although rumored for weeks, the transfer comes as a bit of a surprise. Cowell, who has described himself as an Kylian Mbappé type of player in an interview with Transfermarkt has in the past expressed his desire to head to one of Europe's top leagues. Indeed, there was strong interest from the likes of Bundesliga clubs Borussia Mönchengladbach. 

Cade Cowell: A stellar career so far

Now instead of Europe, Cowell is headed to Mexico to play for one of Liga MX's most historic clubs. It is a fascinating next step in the career of the forward. The 20-year-old began his youth career at Ballistic United SC in Pleasanton, California. In 2018, he transferred to the academy of the San Jose Earthquakes. Just one year later, Cowell was signed as a Homegrown Player by the Quakes. At 15 years and 102 days old, he was then the youngest player in Earthquakes history and the fourth youngest signing of all time in the MLS.

After a brief loan spell with then USL Championship affiliate Reno 1868 FC, he made his MLS debut for the Earthquakes in March 2020. Since then, he has played 104 MLS games, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists.

Cowell made his debut for the US men's national team in December 2021. He played all five games for the USMNT at the 2023 Gold Cup, making a total of eight international appearances. So now his path could lead to Mexico. Cowell, who has Mexican ancestors on his maternal side, has now received a Mexican passport himself a prerequisite to play for Chivas, who only ever sign Mexican players.