Lucho Acosta on the move? FC Cincinnati reportedly agree to transfer fee with Estudiantes for star attacker, 2023 MLS MVP

FC Cincinnati have reportedly reached an agreement with Argentine club Estudiantes for the transfer of star midfielder and former MLS MVP Lucho Acosta. The club is under the Foster Gillett ownership group.

GIVEMESPORT reports that despite an agreement between the clubs, no contract or personal terms between Acosta and the Argentine side have been reached. Multiple MLS teams remain in the hunt for his signature.

Acosta said at the end of the 2024 MLS season that his time in FC Cincinnati might be over.

"This was a very recent decision I made to leave, I feel I’ve completed a cycle after four years of playing in Cincinnati," Acosta told ESPN Argentina in November. "It’s time to find a different scene and see how things can be resolved. ... If the opportunity to return to Argentina arises, I’d love to take it."

The 30-year-old was named 2023 MLS MVP, when he scored 17 goals and recorded 14 assists and led FCC to the Supporters' Shield. In 2024, he added 14 goals and 19 assists to lead his club to the Eastern Conference playoffs. He may be on the move, however, despite signing a contract extension with the MLS side through 2026.

Acosta has previously noted his ambitions to represent the USMNT in 2026, with reports surfacing that he could be eligible in early 2025.

The midfielder has reported for preseason with the MLS side, meaning there are still expectations he will train and play with the club ahead of the 2025 season. Until a permanent transfer is agreed, he remained an FCC player.