FC Cincinnati makes historical past with $16 million buy: The costliest signing in MLS historical past

FC Cincinnati has made a major splash within the Main League Soccer (MLS) switch market, buying Togolese striker Kévin Denkey from Cercle Brugge of Belgium for a record-breaking charge of over $16 million.

This surpasses the earlier MLS document set by the transfer of Thiago Almada, marking a significant milestone for the league and demonstrating Cincinnati’s ambition to compete on the highest stage.

The 23-year-old Denkey arrives in Cincinnati with a stellar popularity and confirmed goal-scoring skill. Within the 2023-24 Belgian Professional League season, he led the league in scoring with 27 objectives, propelling Cercle Brugge to qualification for the UEFA Europa Convention League.

His spectacular 34 objectives over the previous two seasons place him amongst Europe’s high scorers, surpassing many extremely rated gamers, together with Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Viktor Gyökeres, and Luuk de Jong. This constant goal-scoring prowess establishes him as a potent offensive risk.

Cincinnati’s assertion signing

FC Cincinnati Normal Supervisor Chris Albright highlighted the importance of Denkey’s signing, emphasizing his expertise and work ethic. “He’s a younger, gifted striker with an distinctive character. Kévin has been probably the most productive strikers in Europe over the past two years, showcasing elite athleticism, ending skill, and work ethic,” Albright acknowledged. This signing is a major assertion of intent from Cincinnati and displays their rising ambition and monetary capability.

Past his home achievements, Denkey has vital worldwide expertise with the Togo nationwide crew, scoring 9 objectives in 38 appearances. His total skilled document stands at 78 objectives in 205 matches. This wealth of expertise at varied ranges can be worthwhile to Cincinnati. His worldwide {and professional} pedigree clearly show his skill to compete successfully on the high stage.

Denkey’s arrival follows within the footsteps of different notable strikers who’ve joined MLS, equivalent to Hugo Cuypers. His signing reinforces the league’s rising attraction to high European expertise and underscores the elevated funding in attracting high-quality gamers.

The costliest MLS transfers

Denkey’s switch charge of $16.2 million establishes a brand new benchmark in MLS historical past. Whereas different vital transfers have been made up to now, primarily involving Latin American and Argentine expertise, Denkey’s acquisition highlights the league’s continued ambition to draw high worldwide expertise. Right here’s a take a look at among the most costly transfers in MLS historical past:

Kévin Denkey: $16.2 million (Cercle Brugge to FC Cincinnati, 2024)Thiago Almada: $16 million (Vélez Sarsfield to Atlanta United, 2022)Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez: $15.5 million (River Plate to Atlanta United, 2018)Ezequiel Barco: $15 million (Independiente to Atlanta United, 2018)Brenner Souza da Silva: $13 million (São Paulo to FC Cincinnati, 2021)Rodolfo Pizarro: $12 million (Monterrey to Inter Miami CF, 2020)

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