FC Cincinnati could reportedly break MLS transfer record, set to sign Togo international Kevin Denkey for $16.2M from Belgian side Cercle Brugge

FC Cincinnati are reportedly on the verge of signing Cercle Brugge star Kevin Denkey for a fee of $16.2 million. The Togo international was winner of the 2023 Golden Boot in the Belgian Pro League, where he scored 28 goals in 39 matches.

GIVEMESPORT reports that the deal will eclipse the MLS transfer record of $16M that Atlanta United had previously paid for Thiago Almada.

FCC reportedly pursued U.S. international Josh Sargent, and Monterrey's German Berterame in the summer, but neither were deals that the MLS club could secure. The DP spot that Denkey is set to occupy was previously held by forward Aaron Boupendza prior to his contract being terminated by the league.

FCC finished third in the Eastern Conference in 2024, exiting the postseason in Round One after being eliminated by New York City FC. Now the club is looking to bolster their roster ahead of the 2025 campaign, with Denkey being a key part.

The Togo international has 11 goals and six assists in 1,679 minutes across all competitions this season.

Denkey has scored eight goals in 34 appearances for his country. Togo, however, were eliminated from 2025 Africa Cup of Nations contention this past week after losing 1-0 to Liberia in a qualifying match. Denkey scored in a 3-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea that followed, but it was not enough to qualify for the marquee African tournament.

The 23-year-old and FCC will look to finalize a deal soon, with the MLS transfer window set to open in the new year. For now, though, Denkey will continue play in Belgium with Cercle Brugge.