On the verge of signing the elusive star striker and creative midfield FCC has yearned for, there is no room for more excuses
It is expected this week that FC Cincinnati will manage to finalize two massive signings for the club—additions to the team that should’ve been addressed effectively in previous transfer windows, in fairness.
First, is Brenner Souza da Silva (known simply as Brenner), from Sao Paulo FC in Brazil. The talented 21-year-old had 17 goals in 33 appearances for his former club. He was linked to prestigious clubs such as Ajax, Arsenal and other European clubs before reportedly signing for Cincinnati. Other rumors true or not, it’s an unexpected triumph for the Orange & Blue from the eyes of the general public. A hefty fee of up to $15 million dollars is surprising for a mid-market team at the bottom of Major League Soccer (in the middle of a pandemic, no less). Brenner could become the most expensive player to join MLS from South America if the additional incentives are met.
The transfer bucks a trend seen globally, too. Many “rich” clubs chose to limit spending while COVID-19 continues to limit attendance and revenue.
But in the eyes of many, Cincinnati is running out of time. Amid a mixed bag of signings during its first two years in the country’s top flight, FCC has finished dead last. Fan support is growing weary, the fierce rivals north in Columbus were just crowned MLS Cup champions and general manager Gerard Nijkamp thinks there are few remaining transfer windows before his constructed roster should be judged on its ability to compete.
A big reason for the poor record is a complete lack of production at the striker position and from creative midfielders.
That’s why reports also indicate FC Cincinnati is after former Atlanta midfielder Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez. Although he struggled at times in MLS, pure talent suggests he’d be an immediate difference maker for FCC.
With a brand-new stadium nearly completed and a fan base itching to get back to supporting in person, it’s important Cincinnati capitalize on this injection of talent.
Otherwise, they risk alienating the fans that lifted them to MLS in the first place.
