'We'll welcome him like any other' - Club América's Israel Reyes addresses Denis Bouanga speculation, says the LAFC star would be a good fit

Denis Bouanga’s potential move to Club América remains unresolved, with LAFC reluctant to let go of their star forward - but the speculation has already reached the locker room.

On Friday, América defender Israel Reyes gave a nod of approval to the idea of the Gabon international joining the squad.

“He’s a great player. We’ve faced him a couple of times, given our positions on the pitch,” Reyes said in a press conference. “Any player who wants to contribute and do things the right way is welcome here. If he comes, we’ll make him feel at home like anyone else, help him understand what this club stands for, and let him know we’re going all in.”

A few days ago, during the All-Star Game between Liga MX and MLS, América goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón revealed he jokingly asked Denis Bouanga if he was coming to the team. "I asked him, ‘Are you coming or not?’ He’s a great player, he has so much quality,” said Malagón.

Club owner Emilio Azcárraga also admitted there had been contact, though LAFC and MLS denied any negotiations, according to league insider Tom Bogert.

Bouanga, himself, added to the speculation at MLS All-Star Media Day. When asked about potential changes to the format, the forward started (through a translator) by saying, "If I'm here." A week ago, he also wouldn't deny rumors when asked about his future.

"Whatever has to happen regarding my future will happen, that's what I think," he told reporters at a press conference. "For now, I'm just trying to stay focused here because I have a match every four days."

Israel Reyes admitted that recent results have affected the atmosphere around Club América, despite the team’s solid start to the Apertura 2025, where they’ve collected four points from a win and a draw in the first two matches.

Even so, the outcomes have not met expectations in high-stakes matches - most recently, a 3-1 loss to Toluca in the Campeón de Campeones.

"I think there are two sides to this coin. This club is always expected to win - that’s the reality of América," Reyes said at Friday’s press conference.

"If you win three straight titles, the next tournament has to be about winning again. When you get used to winning so much and come off two great years where we barely lost, it weighs on you. We know this current situation doesn’t define us - we’re in a transition phase. We’ve had key players missing, and that has taken a toll."

André Jardine’s team will face Necaxa on Saturday in a Matchday 3 clash of the Apertura 2025.