A few days after Jurgen Locadia’sloan extension was announced, details have emerged about the deal that will keep the Belgium forward at FC Cincinnati through June 30, 2021 and perhaps beyond.
In a conference call with reporters, FC Cincinnati general manager Gerard Nijkamp said there is an automatic trigger for a permanent transfer from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, but declined to share the exact number of games played. He did say, though, Locadia would then sign a two-and-half year contract with FC Cincinnati.
Also Nijkamp said FC Cincinnati managed to negotiate a discounted transfer fee, which originally was $10 million. That new figure wasn’t disclosed.
In a small sample size of two league games, which included a first MLS goal against the New York Red Bulls, Locadia has impressed Nijkamp.
“What he did in on-ball position, what he did in off-ball position, in transition moments, and also with the new head coach on board, Jaap, we see a lot of potential,” he said. “And, he showed already something in execution about goals, but we know, and we are convinced that he will be successful in this team and for himself.”
Nijkamp also hinted at a potential trade with another MLS club given the club’s No. 2 spot in the allocation list.
The 26-year-old Locadia has previously scored 72 goals and provided 42 assists across stops with PSV Eindhoven (2011-17), Brighton (2018-20) and TSG Hoffenheim (2019-20).
