CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati announced that they have acquired forward Kévin Denkey from the Belgian Pro League’s Cercle Brugge via a transfer.

What You Need To Know

  • FC Cincinnati acquired via transfer forward Kévin Denkey

  • He was acquired from the Belgian Pro League’s Cercle Brugge    

  • The 23 year old has scored 78 goals in his 200 appearances in European matches

He’ll be headed to the Cincinnati club during the primary transfer window in 2025 and staying on through contract through at least 2028, according to a club press release, which states there will be a club option for 2029.

Cincinnati didn't disclose the transfer fee but the MLS said on its official website that Denkey joins for a reported $16.2 million, which it said would be not only a club record but the most expensive signing in MLS history.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kévin to FC Cincinnati,” General Manager Chris Albright said in the release. “He is a talented, young striker, with exceptional character. Kévin has been one of the most productive forwards in Europe over the last two years, showcasing elite physicality, finishing ability, and work ethic. This is a historic transfer for our club and our league, and it’s a tremendous credit to our ownership group, which continues to invest in this club’s ambition to compete for trophies.”

Denkey, who was born in Lomé, Togo, has scored 34 goals in two seasons with the Belgian Pro League. According to the release, only four players in Europe have fared better with league goals in the same time frame.

In total, the 23 year old has scored 78 goals in his 200 appearances in European matches. The release also states he has played with the Togo National Team in 38 appearances “at the senior international level, scoring nine goals.”

Before transferring to the Belgian League’s Cercle Brugge, he played for Nîmes Olympique in France.

“This choice was natural for me,” Denkey said in the release. “It felt like the club really wanted me and I can really help the team. I just had this good feeling. So for all of us it just made sense. FC Cincinnati explained the project to me, and it was a big project. I went there, I saw a game, I saw the stadium, I saw everything, the facilities. And I said ‘This is incredible. This is amazing.’ I wanted to go to another step in my career and I think I can have it in Cincinnati.”

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