NEWS: San Jose Earthquakes Acquire German International Midfielder Eduard Löwen Via Trade with St. Louis CITY SC

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes announced today they have acquired German international midfielder Eduard Löwen from St. Louis CITY SC via trade for $425,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM) plus up to $500,000 in conditional GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met. One of the premier playmakers in Major League Soccer, Löwen has signed a new contract through the 2027-28 season and will be a Designated Player who is eligible to be bought down. 

“Eduard is a proven player in this league with the versatility and experience to make an impact in our midfield,” said Earthquakes Sporting Director/Head Coach Bruce Arena. “Beyond what he brings on the field, he’s a great person with strong character and leadership qualities. We’re excited to have him in San Jose and look forward to welcoming him to the club.” 

Löwen is eligible to play immediately, starting with Saturday’s road match against the Houston Dynamo. 

A separate media advisory with details for a press conference with Löwen and Arena to take place Thursday at 12:30 p.m. PT in the PayPal Park Media Room will be distributed shortly.  

Löwen, 29, has established himself as an elite box-to-box midfielder and set-piece specialist in his three and a half seasons in MLS since joining St. Louis from the German Bundesliga, amassing 47 goal contributions—20 goals and 27 assists—in 84 career league games (70 starts). This season, he has six goal contributions (3g/3a) in 13 matches (eight starts), with the last of those assists coming just 11 days ago against the Earthquakes at PayPal Park. With his imposing 6’2’’ frame, Löwen is also an impact player on the defensive end; his aerial duel percentage has improved each season, with 2026 his highest success rate yet (71.4%).  

“I‘m very thankful for this new chapter in my life and career moving to the Bay Area and joining the Earthquakes,” said Löwen. “I‘ll always be grateful for the amazing time I had in St. Louis. I‘m excited to build new relationships here in the community and am determined to help this team make a strong playoff push and be successful with this historic club.” 

Prior to signing with St. Louis in 2022, Löwen played four seasons in the Bundesliga, amassing seven goals and eight assists in 80 league appearances for 1. FC Nürnberg (2017-19) and Hertha Berlin (2019-21), along with two loan spells at FC Augsburg (2019-20) and VfL Bochum (2020-21). He also played an additional two seasons in 2. Bundesliga with FC Nürnberg (2016-18), amassing 43 league appearances and five goals and six assists. A native of Idar-Oberstein, Germany, Löwen did his youth formation in the academies of SV Hottenbach (2008), 1. FC Kaiserslautern (2008-15) and 1. FC Saarbrücken (2015–16). 

At international level, Löwen has represented Germany at the Under-20, U-21 and U-23 levels a total of 13 times, culminating with being named to the German National Team for the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He appeared in all three matches and started two of them, scoring one goal. 

The Earthquakes return to MLS regular-season play on the road against Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday, Aug. 29. Kickoff from Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium is slated for 5:30 p.m. PT with the match to be broadcast on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish). 

Eduard Löwen 

Pronunciation: EE-dward LUU-vin 

Position: Midfielder  

Number: 23 

Height: 6-2 

Weight: 208 lbs.  

Born: Jan. 28, 1997 (age 29)  

Preferred Foot: Right 

Hometown: Idar-Oberstein, Germany  

Previous Clubs: St. Louis CITY SC (2022-26), VfL Bochum – loan (2020-21), FC Augsburg – loan (2019-20), Hertha Berlin (2019-21), 1. FC Nürnberg (2017-19)    

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes acquire M Eduard Löwen from St. Louis CITY SC via trade for $425,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM) plus up to $500,000 in conditional GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met and sign him to a new contract through the 2027-28 season. Löwen will be a Designated Player who is eligible to be bought down.