Denis Bouanga reveals desire to leave LAFC and return to Europe

LAFC star and 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga has revealed that he wishes to return to Europe in the winter transfer window.

It seemed like the signs were there as well as plenty of whispers going around that the 29-year-old would be interested in returning to Europe after less than two seasons with the Black and Gold, where he's been a huge success.

Since joining LAFC in August 2022, Bouanga has been one of the best players in North America, registering an impressive 41 goals and 15 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions. The bulk of those goal involvements came from 2023, where he amassed a whopping 38 goals in 48 appearances where LAFC came up short in three finals played.

But despite all the goals and two trophies won (2022 MLS Cup & 2022 Supporters' Shield), Bouanga isn't convinced that his future is at BMO Stadium.

"My objective is clear - I want to come back to France, or to another European club," Bouanga said in an interview with Le Maine Libre.

"It's now that I need to hop on the train. It is a more opportune time than in June because the competition will have restarted, and it will be more difficult for the club to let a player leave."

After LAFC's 2-1 defeat to Columbus Crew in 2023 MLS Cup, Bouanga teased the idea of a return to Europe, which makes his recent comments not so surprising.

"It's a possibility, yeah," Bouanga said in French after the narrow defeat at Lower.com Field 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, a potential move away won't be that straightforward, according to LAFC general manager and co-president John Thorrington.

"He's under contract. He's the top goalscorer in the league, a huge part of how we play," Thorrington said of Bouanga's future with the club after MLS Cup.

"So our plan is absolutely he's under contract for another few years and that he'll be back. We never know what may happen, but it's going to be a hugely, hugely expensive transfer fee if he's not here next year."

Prior to his move to LAFC, Bouanga enjoyed stints with French sides FC Lorient, Nimes and Saint-Etienne.

It seems like a transfer saga could be brewing in the west coast, and there more than likely won't be a shortage of clubs interested in Bouanga - who still has two years left on his contract with LAFC.

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