FC Cincinnati‘s main goal during this window was to ensure they didn’t let their “championship window” slip away, as general manager Chris Albright said in the post-secondary transfer window press conference.
“I think we’re on a two to three-year window here, with a lot of guys in their prime playing at a high level, that we can compete with anyone in this league,” Albright said.
Awaziem & Hadebe
Cincy focused heavily on its defense. With Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund’s season-ending injuries, Cincy replaced them with two new center backs. Nigerian international center-back Chidozie Awaziem arrived on a full transfer from Portuguese top-flight side Boavista. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe international Teenage Hadebe returned to the MLS as a free agent after playing for the Houston Dynamo from 2021 to 2023.
Although both joined in late August, only Awaziem has played this season, as Hadebe has been on international duty with Zimbabwe. Awaziem has played two league games this season, including an assist in a 4-1 win against CF Montreal.
Boupendza Out & Gioacchini In
FC Cincinnati had a massive hole to fill in the striker spot, with them terminating Designated Player Aaron Boupendza’s contract. After failing to get numerous targets, including US international striker Joshua Sargent and CF Monterrey striker German Berterame, FCC would have to go with ‘plan Z’ by bringing in US international Niko Gioacchini on a loan deal from Italian Serie A side Como.
Gioacchini will return to MLS after just leaving the new expansion team, St. Louis, where he had 10 goals and an assist. After making a $2 million move to Italian side Como, he would only play 195 minutes for the at-the-time Serie B side. The loan agreement with FC Cincinnati will last until the end of the MLS season.
What’s Next?
When writing this, FCC has 7 games left in the regular season. They are currently 3rd in the Supporters Shield, only behind LA Galaxy by 1 point, and first place Inter Miami who are up by 8 points. Their next game is the well-known “Hell is Real” derby against Columbus Crew on Saturday, September 14th.
General Manager Chris Albright is hopeful of their chances of winning a trophy. “We were in the trophy conversation to start the year,” Albright said. “We don’t shy away from that news, and I think we’ve strengthened ourselves to give ourselves the best shot to win a trophy.”
