FC Cincinnati is on the verge of making history with a game-changing $16.2 million acquisition of Kevin Denkey, aiming to bolster their roster and reshape the MLS landscape with newfound ambitions for success.
In a significant development that could change the landscape of Major League Soccer's transfers, FC Cincinnati is reportedly close to finalizing a $16.2 million agreement to sign Kevin Denkey, a prolific striker from Cercle Brugge and the current Golden Boot winner in the Belgian Pro League. Should the transfer go through, it would not only highlight Denkey's exceptional abilities but also represent a historic milestone for MLS, surpassing the previous record set by Atlanta United's acquisition of Thiago Almada.
For Cincinnati, a team eager to achieve postseason glory, this acquisition signifies more than just an enhancement to the roster—it is a statement of purpose.
Kevin Denkey’s achievements are impressive. The 23-year-old international from Togo has made a significant impact in Belgium, scoring an impressive 28 goals in 39 appearances during the 2023 season. His blend of strength, precise positioning, and clinical finishing has established him as one of the most coveted young forwards in Europe, outside the major five leagues.
Should the transfer be finalized at the reported amount of $16.2 million, Denkey's relocation will set a new record for the most expensive signing in MLS history, surpassing the $16 million that Atlanta United spent on Thiago Almada in 2022. This significant financial commitment is viewed by Cincinnati as a potentially game-changing investment.
After finishing third in the Eastern Conference in 2024, Cincinnati's hopes for postseason success were dashed with a disappointing Round One exit against New York City FC. This loss exposed the deficiencies in their squad, especially in the attacking line. Following Aaron Boupendza's departure, which opened up a Designated Player position, the club's pursuit of Denkey emphasizes their determination to rectify these shortcomings.
This marks Cincinnati's latest bid to secure a prominent striker. The team had previously looked into signing U.S. international Josh Sargent and Germany’s German Berterame from Monterrey during the summer, but neither deal materialized. Now, with Denkey's prospective signing, they could finally address that gap and acquire the offensive strength necessary to propel Cincinnati into serious title contention.
Denkey’s influence goes beyond domestic competitions. He has scored eight goals in 34 matches for Togo, demonstrating his reliability on the international stage. Although Togo recently missed the opportunity to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Denkey's performances, highlighted by a goal in their impressive 3-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, revealed his capacity to perform during crucial moments.
This season, Denkey has maintained his impressive performance, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists over 1,679 minutes in all competitions for Cercle Brugge. His skill in both creating and finishing opportunities makes him a versatile forward capable of seamlessly adjusting to the high-intensity and physically demanding nature of MLS.
The proposed transfer of Denkey signifies more than just an announcement for Cincinnati; it illustrates the escalating ambitions of MLS teams to draw emerging talents from worldwide markets. Such a move indicates a transformation in viewpoint, highlighting the league as an appealing option for young players aiming for success beyond the established clubs in Europe.
For Denkey, this move presents an opportunity to solidify his reputation as an international star while spearheading Cincinnati's pursuit of MLS success. For Cincinnati, it represents a risk that could yield exceptional rewards, elevating them from mere postseason aspirants to serious championship contenders.
