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Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondent
FC Cincinnati has completed the signing of Cercle Brugge forward Kévin Denkey for an MLS record transfer fee, a team spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.
The transfer fee of $16.2 million eclipses the mark of $16 million that Atlanta United spent to acquired Thiago Almada in February of 2022.
The signing of Denkey to a four-year contract fills a gap at forward for Cincinnati, which has been attempting to replace Brandon Vázquez, who was transferred to Liga MX side Monterrey last January.
Denkey, 23, was the top scorer in the Belgian Pro League during the 2023-24 campaign with 27 goals. He has scored 11 goals in 23 league and cup appearances this season.
A Togo international, Denkey began his career with French side Nimes, making his professional debut back in 2017. He moved to Cercle Brugge in January of 2021.
All told, he’s scored 94 goals in 237 appearances.