Just a day after the devastating loss to NYCFC, it was reported by Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport, that FC Cincinnati were nearing a deal to sign Kévin Denkey from Belgian Jupiler Pro League club Cercle Brugge.
FC Cincinnati confirmed the deal on Thursday morning that he has officially been acquired on a four-year deal. The fee reported by Bogert is $16.2 million, which sets a new record as the most expensive signing in league history.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kévin to FC Cincinnati,” FC Cincinnati general manager, Chris Albright, said in the club’s 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.”
“This choice was natural for me,” Denkey said. “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.”
Cercle Brugge’s CEO and Denkey himself were reportedly in Cincinnati to visit during that season-ending loss. They were impressed with the facilities and the atmosphere. The two clubs were negotiating on when he would arrive, with Cercle wanting him to stay until late December for their last league match, while Cincinnati wants him sooner because of injury risk.
Denkey is a 23-year-old striker from Togo, a nation in West Africa. As a teenager, he moved to France to play for Nîmes, where he was at for much of his early career. After impressing for their B team, he joined lower-league French club Béziers on loan for the 18/19 season, but it didn’t work out. He returned to Nîmes and played the next two seasons as a backup player.
In the 20/21 season, Denkey was signed by Belgian club Cercle Brugge. It was here where he truly made his mark. After two seasons with decent production, he would break out in 22/23, scoring 13 goals and 8 assists in 40 appearances. The following season, he won the Golden Boot of the first-division Jupiler Pro League after scoring 28 and assisting 1 in 39 appearances. He was the main reason for his club’s qualification to the UEFA Conference League; as of now, he has 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 matches there.
Denkey has been capped 34 times for the Togolese national team. He has scored 8 goals for his nation, making him the joint-fourth top goal scorer. He is likely to finish as its top goal scorer.
Of course, this signing fills a crucial hole in the squad. A proven DP #9 is just what FC Cincinnati needs to truly compete. Denkey has all the attributes of a classic #9; he positions himself in the box to poach, and he is able to head the ball well. But he also possesses the ability to hold-up the ball, press hard, and has immense pace. He can also score an eye-pleasing goal.
Denkey had been recognized by many top European football clubs. Lille were interested in signing him as a replacement for star striker Jonathan David. Sevilla and Real Betis were expected to negotiate for him. Roma and AC Milan were both targeting him as an option. Tottenham had been scouting him.
Such a signing is very impressive for FC Cincinnati, perhaps more than their unexpected acquisition of Brenner. It is proof that they are willing to spend big in their pursuit of more trophies. The championship window is still open.
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