FC Cincinnati have seemingly discovered their star quantity 9 after finishing a record-breaking deal for Cercle Brugge ahead Kévin Denkey.
The Ohio membership reportedly spent as much as $17.5 million on the 23-year-old Togolese striker, making it the costliest deal in MLS historical past.
Denkey will formally be part of the membership as a Designated Participant when the MLS Major Switch Window opens in 2025 and has been signed to a contract by means of 2028, with a membership choice for 2029.
Atlanta United beforehand held the all-time switch report after signing Thiago Almade for $16 million from Membership Atletico Velez Sarsfield in 2022.
“This selection was pure for me,” stated Denkey.
“It felt just like the membership actually needed me and I can actually assist the workforce. I simply had this good feeling. So for all of us it simply made sense.
“FC Cincinnati defined the challenge to me, and it was a giant challenge. I went there, I noticed a sport, I noticed the stadium, I noticed every little thing, the services. And I stated ‘That is unbelievable. That is wonderful.’ I needed to go to a different step in my profession and I believe I can have it in Cincinnati.”
Denkey recorded 11 targets and 6 assists in all competitions up to now within the 2024/25 marketing campaign after a breakout 2023/24 season by which he bagged 28 targets in 39 video games.
Cincinnati have been among the many favorites to achieve MLS Cup Closing within the 2024 season, however Pat Noonan’s facet have been bounced out of the playoffs within the opening spherical by NYCFC. The dearth of a real quantity 9 was evident of their postseason failure.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kévin to FC Cincinnati,” stated Normal Supervisor Chris Albright.
“He’s a proficient, younger striker, with distinctive character.
“Kévin has been probably the most productive forwards in Europe during the last two years, showcasing elite physicality, ending skill, and work ethic.
“This can be a historic switch for our membership and our league, and it’s an amazing credit score to our possession group, which continues to speculate on this membership’s ambition to compete for trophies.”
Picture Credit score: FC Cincinnati
