MLS
Exclusive: Napoli Lead €30m Chase for FC Cincinnati Forward Kévin Denkey
Togo's Kévin Denkey's rise in European football has been meteoric, with a record-breaking move to FC Cincinnati. Sources suggest the move is a strategic pitstop before a blockbuster return to Europe. His rare dual-threat profile has caught the attention of top clubs in Italy, Germany, and England. With a valuation of €14M–€16M, FC Cincinnati is looking for offers in the €25M–€30M range. Denkey aims to be a key player for an elite European club by the 2026 World Cup.
FC Cincinnati v Inter Miami FC - 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinal by Jeff Dean | Getty Images
In the landscape of modern football, where physical dominance meets clinical finishing, Togo’s Kévin Denkey is becoming the most discussed name among Europe’s elite.
Despite his record-breaking €15.3 million move to FC Cincinnati, sources confirm that the 25-year-old’s American journey is merely a "strategic pitstop" before a blockbuster return to Europe.
The Scouting Report
What separates Denkey from the market is his rare profile: the raw power of a traditional target man combined with the explosive speed that punishes high defensive lines.
Having dominated the Belgian Pro League with Cercle Brugge (claiming the Golden Boot), he has seamlessly transitioned to MLS, proving he is a "plug-and-play" solution for elite tactical setups.
The Transfer Battle: Who is at the Table?
Exclusive sources suggest a fierce bidding war is already taking shape ahead of the summer of 2026, with Napoli currently leading the chase for Denkey’s signature.
The Serie A giants view the striker as the long-term successor to Victor Osimhen, with scouts identifying his physical presence and all-round profile as the closest match to the Nigerian star.
Napoli’s current striker Romelu Lukaku has only recently returned to first-team action following a lengthy injury setback, but with the Belgian already being linked with a sensational return to Everton, the Serie A outfit could be tempted to pull the trigger on a move for Denkey sooner rather than later if that deal gathers momentum.
In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen, VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt are all monitoring Denkey closely, convinced his attributes are ideally suited to the Bundesliga’s high-octane style.
Premier League interest is also growing, with Everton and Crystal Palace impressed by his power and athleticism, believing he is tailor-made for the demands of English football.
Valuation and the Road to 2026
While his current market value sits between €14M–€16M, FC Cincinnati is prepared to play hardball. Whispers from the club suggest they will not entertain offers below the €25M–€30M range.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Denkey’s goal is clear: to be the undisputed "Number 9" for an elite European giant by the time the tournament kicks off.
Ekrem Konur is a renowned football transfer specialist and journalist with a global reputation for breaking exclusive stories. He has established strong collaborations with major international outlets such as Marca, AS, Mundo Deportivo, Bild, Record, Daily Mirror, CaughtOffside, Goal, and ESPN. Additionally, Ekrem has a long-standing history of covering European football for the prominent Japanese magazine World Soccer Digest. With a massive digital reach of over 1.2 million followers and 60 million monthly impressions, he bridges the gap between club boardrooms and fans, serving as a leading authority in the global transfer market.