FC Cincinnati bolster attack with signing of Aaron Boupendza
FC Cincinnati have confirmed the signing of forward Aaron Boupendza from Saudi Pro League club Al Shababh for a reported fee of $7m.
After reports came out about the deal being finalized last week, Boupendza joins the red-hot FC Cincinnati on a contract that runs through the 2025 season with club options to extend his stay for 2026 and 2027.
The move for the Gabon international comes after the Eastern Conference team agreed to sell forward Brenner da Silva to Serie A club Udinese in April. Brenner's Designated Player spot will be taken up by Boupendza as Cincinnati doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
The 26-year-old brings depth to the already impressive offensive line at Cincinnati, joining Lucho Acosta, Brandon Vazquez and Sergio Santos. Boupendza scored 11 goals and 3 assists in the 2022/23 campaign with Al Shabab, and will be key to their race for the Supporter's Shield and the playoffs.
Prior to playing for Al Shabab, Boupendza was the top scorer of the Turkish Super Lig in the 2020/21 season when he scored 22 goals for Hatayspor. He's also scored five goals in 24 games for the Gabon national team, where he'll have the chance to link up with LAFC's Denis Bouanga.
"We’re delighted to have Aaron join FC Cincinnati. He’s a skillful and dynamic forward with a proven goal-scoring record and an ability to play multiple positions in the attack," Cincinatti general manager Chris Albright said.
"He chose to come to Cincinnati in the prime of his career and his international and European experience will be extremely valuable to our group. Beyond his talent, Aaron is also a player of strong personality and character who will fit in with the culture of our group. I’d like to welcome him to Cincinnati."
The move by Cincinnati signals that they are all in on competing for silverware this season and have no intentions of letting their foot off the gas. So far, the Orange and Blue have accumulated 40 points from 17 games and are in the driver's seat in the Eastern Conference with an eight point gap over second-placed Nashville SC.
Boupendza could make his MLS debut for Cincinnati on July 8th they travel to take on Charlotte FC.
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