FC Cincinnati have announced the signing of Togolese striker Kévin Denkey from Belgian Pro League side Cercle Brugge as per the American club’s official website.
The 23-year-old will join as a Designated Player in the 2025 MLS Primary Transfer Window, signing a contract until 2028 with an option for 2029.
The transfer fee is reported to be €16.6 million, including €15.3 million in fixed payments, setting a new record for Cercle Brugge as their most expensive sale. It also makes Denkey one of the biggest signings in MLS history, surpassing the $16 million fee paid for Thiago Almada by Atlanta United in 2022.
According to Transfermarkt the player’s value before the transfer was estimated at €14 million.
Denkey has scored 78 goals and provided 22 assists in over 200 appearances in Europe. He was the Belgian Pro League’s top scorer last season with 27 goals and has already netted 11 times this season. At international level, he has 38 caps and nine goals for Togo.
“This is a historic signing for our club and league,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati’s General Manager. “Kévin is a young, talented striker with exceptional finishing and work ethic. He represents our ambition to compete for trophies.”
Denkey said:
“The facilities, the stadium, and the project here are incredible. I felt this was the right step for my career, and I can’t wait to contribute to the squad.”
With this record-breaking signing, FC Cincinnati have added a proven goalscorer to their squad, underlining their ambition to become a dominant force in Major League Soccer.
