A week ago, Gilberto Flores’ mother told Monumental AM 1080 that, regarding a deal with FC Cincinnati, “the negotiation [has] advanced.” Then Tom Bogert reported that the deal with Flores was being finalized. Today Gilberto Flores’ acquisition has been formally announced by FC Cincinnati.
According to Pat Brennan, the transfer fee for Flores is $2 million. That fee will be amortized over the course of his 3-year-deal, with options for 2028 and 2029. He will occupy a slot on the senior roster as a U-22.
“We’re excited to add Gilberto to the group,” Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager, said in the news release. “He’s a talented player who has strong defensive instincts, a desire to compete, and an eagerness to improve. He will be a great fit to the team as a player and a person and we look forward to him joining FC Cincinnati.”
Flores has considerable experience in Paraguay though he is only 21. He played a season on-loan for Trinidense and made 10 appearances for parent club Libertad, one of the major clubs in the nation.
He gained international experience with Paraguay’s youth national teams, playing for their U20s and U23s. He won the 21-22 South American Games with the former. But it was during the CONMEBOL Preolímpico that he truly impressed, playing for La Albirroja in their semi-final campaign.
Flores’ style of play is promising for a young center-back. He is six foot and occasionally scores headers but could improve in the air. His stocky build allows him to dominate the attacker. Stats show that he could be better on the ball, but he is capable of completing long passes. When he is able, he strikes one well—he scored against Argentina in the U-20 South American Championship 2023.
The Orange and Blue have been in dire need of depth, especially at center-back. Flores’ signing satisfies that need just a few weeks from the start of the season. Their center-back room is more formidable now with Miazga, Robinson, Hadebe, Hagglund, and Flores.
It seems that he could adjust very well into the squad. Noonan seems to prioritize a center-back that is tall, dominant, and technical. Flores fits that mold, despite having to improve on the technicality. He gives the club a prospect with starting potential.
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