In a surprising turn of events, FC Cincinnati forward Brandon Vázquez is set to leave the United States and join Liga MX’s Monterrey. This move comes after the player agreed to contract details on Wednesday, as sources have informed ESPN MX. The news marks a significant loss for FC Cincinnati, as Vázquez has been an integral part of their success in recent years.
A Lucrative Deal
Monterrey and Cincinnati reached a deal last week to transfer Vázquez to the Mexican club. As part of the agreement, the 25-year-old forward will sign a four-year contract with Monterrey. The financial details of the deal are impressive, with a reported fee of approximately $7.5 million. Additionally, there are potential add-ons amounting to $1 million, as well as a sell-on clause. Such an offer demonstrates the high regard in which Vázquez is held.
Interest from Major Clubs
Vázquez had attracted interest from prominent European clubs, as well as Liga MX powerhouses Chivas. Despite Chivas’ attempts to sign him in 2023, Vázquez chose to pursue a deal with Monterrey. In an interview with ESPN last summer, the Mexican-American striker stated his belief that Cincinnati would be the fastest and best route to Europe. However, circumstances have led him to make a different decision.
Vázquez’s impressive track record in Major League Soccer (MLS) contributed to his prominence in the transfer market. With 28 goals scored in his last two seasons, he earned an MLS All-Star appearance in 2022 and helped FC Cincinnati secure a Supporters’ Shield title in 2023. Although his team lost to the eventual champions, Columbus Crew, in the semifinals of the MLS Cup playoffs, Vázquez’s contributions did not go unnoticed.
Before his time with FC Cincinnati, Vázquez had a stint with Atlanta United FC from 2017 to 2019. During his tenure with the club, he won an MLS Cup title in 2018 and a U.S. Open Cup title in 2019. However, Vázquez’s impact was limited, as he only managed to score three goals in three MLS seasons. This inconsistency raises questions about his ability to maintain consistent performance at the highest level.
A Tale of Two Nationalities
Vázquez, a native of Chula Vista, California, began his career as a youth academy player in Liga MX with Club Tijuana. Despite this, he only made a single appearance for the senior team in a domestic cup match. Eligible to play for both Mexico and the United States at the international level, Vázquez made his senior debut for the USMNT in 2022. Since then, he has scored four goals across eight appearances for the national team. Interestingly, he noted in a 2023 interview with ESPN that he had not received any communication from the Mexican federation before committing to the United States.
In addition to securing Vázquez’s services, Monterrey made headlines by signing 28-year-old Argentine midfielder and defender Jorge “Corcho” Rodríguez. These acquisitions reflect the club’s ambition to strengthen their squad for the upcoming 2024 Clausura season. After finishing second in the regular season table during the recent 2023 Apertura season, Monterrey aims to make a strong start when they face Puebla on January 13th.
Brandon Vázquez’s departure is undoubtedly a blow to FC Cincinnati. His skills and contributions played a significant role in the team’s recent achievements. However, Monterrey’s attractive offer and the opportunity to make an impact in Liga MX proved irresistible to the talented forward. As Vázquez embarks on this new chapter in his career, football fans will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the challenges that lie ahead.