Denis Bouanga refuses to rule out a potential return to Europe after MLS Cup defeat

LAFC fell 2-1 to Columbus Crew in 2023 MLS Cup, with Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga still not ready to entirely close to the door to Europe just yet.

It was Bouanga who gave his all by finding the back of the net with roughly 15 minutes to go in regulation, adding to his already unreal season to reach 38 goals scored in 2023.

But it wasn't meant to be for LAFC and Bouanga, as the 2022 champions were unable to repeat their success from the previous campaign. Bouanga has been one of the league's best players since joining in August 2022 from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne, and the versatile forward didn't commit one way or the other regarding his future.

"It’s a possibility, yeah," Bouanga said in French after the defeat about potentially playing in Europe again. "I leave that to the other people, even if I have a few years left on my contract here. I just have to say that I'm really happy at LAFC, very happy here. But yeah, it's a possibility I have to return to Europe. I let the club and my agents figure all of that stuff out. But as I said, I'm very honored to have worn this jersey and to have played for this institution here."

However, the 29-year-old remained grateful for his time with the Western Conference club that reached three finals in 2023 but came away with nothing to show for it.

"I am really happy to have played for a year and a half here, to get to know MLS, to get to know Concacaf. And I'm not saying anything ahead of time, but I'm really happy to have played here. I think LAFC is a great institution and after a year and a half, it's been really good," he said.

It would shock the MLS world if Bouanga did return to Europe so soon having only played one full season with LAFC. Bouanga is under contract through the 2025 season, meaning the Black and Gold still have him tied down to southern California for at least the next two campaigns.

It would be incredibly difficult to replace the production Bouanga has brought to the LAFC frontline, as he's notched a staggering 41 goals and 15 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions since joining the team last year.

LAFC already have plenty of key players out of contract soon with question marks all over their roster, and they'll hope that their Golden Boot winner remains part of the side for the 2024 season.

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