Brenner Signing Could Make Title-Winning Difference For FC Cincinnati

As the MLS summer transfer window comes to an end, FC Cincinnati has made one of the biggest moves of the window so far, resigning Brazilian attacker Brenner from Udinese. So how could this deal help propel the Orange and Blue to a second Supporters Shield in the club's history after securing their first title in 2023.

Background

Brenner signed for Cincinnati ahead of the 2021 MLS season for a fee of $13 million. This made the striker the fourth most expensive signing in the history of the league. In first season in the States, he finished as Cincinnati's top scorer, albeit with just eight goals.

That was in a season where the orange and blue were pretty terrible though. They finished last in the Supporters Shield with just 20 points in 34 games. The following year, Brenner formed a front three with Brandon Vasquez and Lucho Acosta which combined for a total of 75 G/A in a run to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

At the start of the 2022 season, Cincinnati rejected an offer from Internacional for Bremmer, despite the fact he'd requested a move away from the club. Brenner stuck it out until 2023, where he made eight appearances before finally getting his big move to Serie A side Udinese in the spring for around $10 million.

Fast forward to this month, and Brenner has returned to the MLS side on loan.

Big move for Cincinnati

This transfer is a big moment for the Orange and Blue, as it adds serious firepower to an attacking line that holds fellow Brazilian and MLS MVP frontrunner Evander and Togo striker Kevin Denkey, who has 13 goals in his first 21 games for FCC.

Brenner's side sit second in the Supporters Shield behind league debutants San Diego who are aiming to become the first franchise to win the title in their debut season.

The addition of a forward is especially important for Cincinnati as they've scored 10 fewer goals than the league leaders. On top of that, 13 of FCC's 16 wins have been by a single goal.

Signing a forward therefore is a bodes very well not only for the rest of the regular season, but also in their bid for an MLS Cup title come the end of the season.