FC Cincinnati aims to make history with the potential acquisition of Kevin Denkey for $16.2 million, transforming their roster and signaling a serious intention to contend for MLS titles in the forthcoming seasons.
In a development set to transform the transfer landscape of Major League Soccer, FC Cincinnati is reportedly close to finalizing a $16.2 million deal for Kevin Denkey, the prolific striker from Cercle Brugge and the current Golden Boot winner of the Belgian Pro League. Should this deal go through, it will not only highlight Denkey’s extraordinary talent but also signify a historic milestone for MLS, surpassing the previous record established by Atlanta United with their acquisition of Thiago Almada.
For Cincinnati, a team eager to achieve success in the playoffs, this acquisition signifies more than just a strengthening of the squad—it is a bold statement of their ambitions.
Kevin Denkey’s impressive record speaks for itself. At just 23 years old, this Togo international has emerged as a standout player in Belgium, scoring a remarkable 28 goals in 39 appearances throughout the 2023 season. His blend of physicality, keen positioning, and deadly finishing ability has positioned him as one of the most desirable young forwards in Europe outside of the top five leagues.
Should the transfer be finalized at the indicated $16.2 million, Denkey's transfer would set a new record in MLS history, surpassing the $16 million that Atlanta United paid for Thiago Almada in 2022. It represents a significant investment, one that Cincinnati is hopeful will lead to significant change.
Cincinnati finished third in the Eastern Conference in 2024, but their hopes for a successful postseason were dashed with a disappointing Round One exit against New York City FC. This loss revealed significant flaws in their lineup, especially in the offensive area. With the departure of Aaron Boupendza creating an open Designated Player position, the drive to secure Denkey highlights the club's dedication to remedying these deficiencies.
This isn't the first time Cincinnati has tried to land a top striker. The club reportedly looked into acquiring U.S. international Josh Sargent and Germany's Berterame from Monterrey over the summer, but neither deal materialized. Now, the potential signing of Denkey could address that gap and deliver the striking power necessary for Cincinnati to become true title contenders.
Denkey's influence goes beyond domestic competitions. He has scored eight goals in 34 appearances for Togo, demonstrating his reliability on the international stage. Although Togo recently missed the chance to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Denkey's performances, including a goal in their dominant 3-0 victory against Equatorial Guinea, highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
This season, Denkey has maintained his impressive performance by scoring 11 goals and providing six assists over the course of 1,679 minutes in all competitions for Cercle Brugge. His knack for both creating opportunities and finishing them makes him a versatile forward, capable of easily adjusting to the high-paced and physically demanding nature of MLS.
The potential transfer of Denkey represents more than just a statement for Cincinnati; it highlights the increasing ambitions of MLS clubs to draw in emerging talents from around the world. Such a move indicates a shift in how the league is perceived, presenting it as a legitimate destination for young players aiming for success beyond the traditional strongholds of European football.
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's a risk that could yield remarkable results, potentially elevating them from mere postseason aspirants to true title contenders.
