'Whatever happens, happens' - USMNT, Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna acknowledges speculation, as links with La Liga persist

LA Galaxy v Real Salt Lake

Luna didn't deny transfer speculation, but the USMNT breakout star stressed he's focused on his current club, Real Salt Lake

Diego Luna USMNT vs Guatemala HIC

WHAT HAPPENED?

AUSTIN, Texas - U.S. international and Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna is set to make his second All-Star appearance when MLS' top players take on the Liga MX All-Stars Wednesday at Q2 Stadium. With transfer speculation emerging over a potential move to La Liga with Celta Vigo, it could also potentially be his last.

Luna played coy about the speculation, but did acknowledge a move could be on the horizon.

"Yeah, I think it could be anyone's last All-Star game," Luna said with a smile when asked if this could be his final appearance in the midsummer MLS event. "I think whatever happens happens. I think my job is to continue to do well wherever I'm playing, and from that comes opportunities, comes from decisions. But right now I'm playing for RSL and here at the All-Star Game, and really going to enjoy this week."

Luna, 21, is in the midst of a breakout campaign for both club and country. He has eight goals and four assists in 19 league appearances and was arguably the USMNT's best player at the recent Gold Cup - with three goals and two assists in six matches.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Luna, whose journey from USL to MLS has been well-documented, acknowledged he's enjoying every step.

"This is a chance for me to enjoy these moments, because this is through all the hard times and all the sacrifices, the moving as a young kid to get to where I'm at today," he said. "So I think these moments and these weeks are something to take advantage of and enjoy. But it's been difficult, and like I said, there's a lot of sacrifices that go into it. But I'm grateful to be here and I'm excited."

After some criticism over his unconventional style of play earlier in his career, Luna admitted it is fueling his current success - along with his son.

"I think the motivation for me is family," he said. "You know, it's my son, he's about to turn two years old. I think that's the motivation. That's all you all I really need. But for me, you know, continuing to do well, continuing to prove them wrong, and continuing to work my way up the ranks. I think there's a big ceiling for me and just trying to reach as much as I can."

Marco Reus MLS Cup 2024

DID YOU KNOW?

Luna said his favorite player to watch growing up was Marco Reus, while he was at Dortmund. The legendary German now also plays in MLS as a member of the LA Galaxy.

WHAT NEXT FOR LUNA

Luna is at the forefront of the MLS All-Star break, as the midfielder will feature both in the Skills Competition Tuesday and the main event Wednesday night.