San Diego FC has transferred forward Tomás Ángel to Colombian side América de Cali, the Major League Soccer club announced Friday. The move marks a return to Colombian football for the 23-year-traditional, who joined San Diego FC in December 2024 in a trade from LAFC.
Ángel’s departure comes after a relatively short stint with San Diego FC, where he made 25 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing two assists. He notably etched his name into club history by providing an assist to Anders Dreyer in stoppage time during the team’s inaugural MLS debut against the LA Galaxy on February 23, 2025, securing a 2-0 victory. He also saw action in the 2025 Leagues Cup, registering a goal against Club Tigres UANL on August 2, 2025.
A Return to Roots for the Young Forward
Born in Birmingham, England, on February 20, 2003, Tomás Ángel Gutiérrez is the son of former footballer Juan Pablo Ángel. According to Wikipedia, his father was playing for Aston Villa at the time of his birth. The family later moved to the United States before eventually settling in Colombia, where Ángel began his professional career with Atlético Nacional. He represented Colombia at the youth level, appearing in 23 matches for the Colombia U20 team and scoring 10 goals.
Ángel’s early career was shaped by his father’s influence, accompanying him to training sessions during his time with the New York Red Bulls. He also has two brothers: Gerónimo, a musician, actor, and model who appeared on the Colombian talent show *La Voz Kids*, and Pascual, who is also a footballer. The three brothers were raised in England until 2007, when the family relocated to the United States.
Career Trajectory: From Atlético Nacional to San Diego FC and Beyond
Ángel began his youth career with Atlético Nacional C.D. Estudiantil before progressing through the ranks at Atlético Nacional. He made his senior debut for Atlético Nacional in 2021, making 40 appearances and scoring 6 goals over three seasons. In 2024, he moved to Los Angeles FC, where he played 5 matches and scored 1 goal before being traded to San Diego FC. A brief loan spell with Phoenix Rising followed in 2024, where he scored 3 goals in 14 appearances.
Prior to the transfer, Ángel was under contract with San Diego FC through the 2026 season. San Diego FC’s official announcement confirms the transfer to América de Cali. His market value is currently estimated at €600k, as of February 20, 2023, according to Transfermarkt.
América de Cali: A New Chapter in Colombia
Ángel’s move to América de Cali represents a significant step in his career, returning him to the country where he honed his skills in the youth system of Atlético Nacional. América de Cali is a historic club in Colombian football, with a passionate fanbase and a tradition of developing young talent. The club is based in Cali, Colombia, and competes in the Liga DIMAYOR.
The details of the transfer agreement between San Diego FC and América de Cali have not been publicly disclosed. However, the move allows Ángel to continue his development in a familiar environment and potentially compete for a starting role in a competitive league. His father, Juan Pablo Ángel, currently serves as an advisor for Los Angeles FC, adding another layer to the family’s connection to professional football.
Impact on San Diego FC
The departure of Tomás Ángel leaves a void in San Diego FC’s attacking lineup. While he was not a consistent starter, he provided valuable depth and contributed key moments, including his assist in the club’s inaugural MLS victory. San Diego FC will likely seek to fill the void through internal promotions or by acquiring a new forward during the upcoming transfer window. The team’s performance in the 2026 season will depend on their ability to find a suitable replacement for Ángel.
San Diego FC’s inaugural season saw them compete in MLS, the Leagues Cup, and the US Open Cup. Ángel’s contributions were noted across these competitions, demonstrating his versatility and potential. The club will now need to reassess its attacking options and adjust its strategy accordingly.
Looking Ahead
Tomás Ángel’s transfer to América de Cali marks a new chapter in his promising career. He will be looking to establish himself as a key player for the Colombian club and continue his development as a professional footballer. His return to Colombia provides him with an opportunity to play in front of a passionate fanbase and contribute to a historic club. The next step for Ángel will be to integrate into the América de Cali squad and make an immediate impact on the field.
As of February 27, 2026, Ángel has officially completed his transfer to América de Cali. Fans can follow his progress and the club’s updates on their official website and social media channels. The Colombian league season is currently underway, and Ángel is expected to be available for selection in upcoming matches.
This transfer highlights the growing connection between Major League Soccer and South American football, with more and more players moving between the two continents. It also underscores the importance of developing young talent and providing opportunities for players to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The next confirmed action regarding Ángel’s career will be his potential debut with América de Cali in a Liga DIMAYOR match. Further updates on his performance and integration into the team will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
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