On Monday, FC Cincinnati managed to pull off their biggest move of the offseason. The team announced that they have acquired forward Jurgen Locadia. The 26-year-old Dutchman arrives from Premier League side Brighton.
According to reports, Locadia, who signed as a Designated Player, will arrive in MLS on a loan deal until July while Cincinnati holds an option to make the move permanent afterward.
Locadia started the season with Brighton but played only two games before he was sent on loan to Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim. He played 11 games in Germany and scored four goals.
FC Cincinnati made the move official via their social media.
“We are excited to bring in a proven forward in Jürgen to strengthen our attacking abilities,” said FC Cincinnati general manager Gerard Nijkamp in a statement. “He is a talented goalscorer in his prime, and we feel adding an impact player of his caliber will be a great addition to our club. We look forward to welcoming Jürgen to our club and city.”
Jurgen Locadia started his professional career with Dutch powerhouse PSV, where he scored 62 goals in 176 games between 2011 and 2018. In 2018, he joined Brighton in a transfer worth close to $20 million.
Locadia was a starter in his first season in England but failed to match his previous production. His struggles in front of the goal caused him to lose his place in the starting 11, and eventually led him to the club’s exit door. He scored six goals in 43 games with Brighton.
