In the late hours of deadline day, it was reported by Pat Brennan that Nico Gioacchini was signed by FC Cincinnati. That deal has now officially been announced. It is a one-year loan deal with no option to buy, but “flexibility to extend” per Laurel Pfahler.
“We’re excited to welcome Niko to Cincinnati,” Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati general manager, said in the news release. “He is an excellent teammate with high character who will provide a versatile presence on our front line. He knows how to compete in our league and is committed to helping us fight for trophies this season. We look forward to him joining our group.”
Gioacchini started as a professional footballer in France. He had stints with Paris FC’s reserve squad, Caen and Montpellier. He then moved back to the country and played two stints in MLS: Orlando City and St. Louis City SC. The latter was his most successful, where he scored 10 goals and assisted once in 37 games. He was a fan favorite in that 2023 season.
“I’m excited to return to Major League Soccer and join FC Cincinnati,” Gioacchini said. “I can’t wait to meet the fans and play at TQL Stadium for the first time, and I look forward to helping this team fight for its goals this season.”
He was sold to Como in the winter window, but in nine matches under Cesc Fàbregas, he never got acclimated and didn’t have a goal or an assist.
He has 8 caps for the USMNT with three goals. He was called up for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the rest of his matches were in friendlies. In the depth list for strikers, he isn’t too far behind.
Gioacchini’s style of play will likely fit the club well. He is a hard-working, aggressive striker who has a knack for finishing and is capable on the ball. He is also able to play anywhere on the attack. He might not be the “big signing” that fans expected from Albright, but he is a smart one. He is a proven goalscorer in this league who will fill in at striker.
He will take up a DP spot for the rest of this season, but only because it is the place in the roster where Albright could fit him. If he stays—and it is unlikely—he wouldn’t be taking up that spot any longer.
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