MLS is not ready for what FC Cincinnati just pulled off | OneFootball

FC Cincinnati, that new kid on the block in MLS, pulled off the most expensive internal transfer in league history. Thus, the club is spending $12 million guaranteed (with up to $150,000 in incentives) in bringing midfielder Evander from Portland Timbers. Of course, the signing is the centerpiece of the revamped attack.

The arrival of the Brazilian playmaker is an evident indication of the evolution of MLS and the way teams are shifting their investment strategy. Of course, the big question now is: can Evander become the league's new face and lead Cincinnati to an even better level?

The rule change that made history possible

Evander's transfer to Cincinnati was only made possible by a recent change in MLS rules. The league's new transfer system permits clubs to make player purchases with their own money without the need for General Allocation Money (GAM) or other internal league resources.

This is a game-changer. Until recently, MLS transfers were restricted by a rigid financial system that forced clubs to be creative with big-money moves. Now, franchises willing to invest aggressively have more freedom to shape their rosters.

Cincinnati wasted no time taking advantage of this new tool. Luciano Acosta’s departure to FC Dallas left a void that needed to be filled, and Evander arrived as the ideal replacement.

Replacing Acosta and Cincinnati’s new star

Lucho Acosta’s exit wasn’t just another transfer. The Argentine was Cincinnati’s captain and the 2023 MLS MVP. His impact on the club was massive, and finding someone capable of filling his role was never going to be easy.

But Evander has the credentials. Last season, he recorded 34 goal contributions (15 goals and 19 assists), second only to Lionel Messi.

His playing style differs from Acosta’s, but the expectation is that he will be just as influential, if not more. With Kévin Denkey and Luca Orellano alongside him, Cincinnati’s attack has the potential to become one of the most dangerous in the league.

The impact on MLS and the league’s growing ambitions

Evander originally joined the Portland Timbers as a record signing from FC Midtjylland in Denmark. He struggled to adjust to MLS at first, but last season he found his rhythm and became one of the league’s most productive players.

Now, he joins Cincinnati not just to shine individually but to strengthen an ambitious project. MLS has been on an upward trajectory, attracting high-profile signings, and this deal is yet another sign that clubs are willing to spend big to compete on the international stage.

And Cincinnati isn’t alone in this strategy. The club had already spent $16.2 million to bring in Kévin Denkey from Cercle Brugge and made Luca Orellano’s loan from Vasco da Gama permanent. These significant investments signal that the team isn’t just looking to compete, they’re aiming to dominate.

What to expect from Cincinnati with Evander?

The MLS season is about to kick off, and Cincinnati has major challenges right out of the gate. Their first big test comes in the Concacaf Champions Cup first-round series against Honduran side FC Motagua. Then, they’ll open their MLS campaign against the New York Red Bulls on February 22.

Evander arrives with massive expectations. He’s not just replacing Acosta, his signing has elevated Cincinnati’s status and raised the bar for the entire club. Fans expect him to deliver from day one, and the pressure will be intense. If he quickly adapts to Pat Noonan’s system, Cincinnati could emerge as one of the top title contenders.