FC Cincinnati acquired striker Kevin Denkey on Thursday for a reported record transfer fee of $16.2 million.

That would break the MLS record of $16 million that Atlanta United paid for Thiago Almada in February 2022.

Denkey arrives from Cercle Brugge in Belgium's top flight, where he won the 2023-24 Golden Boot with 27 goals.

The 23-year-old Togo international is signed as a designated player through 2028 with an option for 2029.

"We're thrilled to welcome Kevin to FC Cincinnati," general manager Chris Albright said. "He is a talented, young striker with exceptional character. Kevin 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 officially will join Cincinnati when the MLS primary transfer window opens this winter.





"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."

Denkey began his professional career in France with Nimes in 2017 and also had a six-month loan with Beziers in 2019 before joining Cercle Brugge in 2021.

Internationally, he has scored nine times in 38 appearances for Togo, a West African nation.

--Field Level Media