On Wednesday, U.S. men’s national team forward Brandon Vázquez arrived in Monterrey, Liga MX, from FC Cincinnati, Major League Soccer.
The 25-year-old and the Mexican team have a contract that runs through December 2027.
According to multiple reports, the transfer is worth up to $8.5 million, with FC Cincinnati retaining a sell-on clause.
“We’d like to thank Brandon for all his contributions to FC Cincinnati,” general manager Chris Albright said in a team release. “He was a centerpiece of the team that brought FC Cincinnati its first trophy, and he’ll forever be part of the fabric of this club.”
“Cincinnati holds a special place in my heart. The best years of my career have been here and I’ll cherish the memories I’ve had here forever,” added Vázquez.
“Having Cincinnati fans behind my back for the past four years has pushed me to be able to achieve what I have been able to do. Not only me, but the team. I know every single player feels the exact same way. This city is special and I love it. Cincinnati, I have been so grateful for your support since day one. I just want to say thank you.”
The Mexican-American attacker, who signed with Monterrey, reportedly attracted interest from Chivas, a Liga MX team that made an offer for Vázquez last year, as well as from Europe. According to the Californian’s 2023 interview sticking with Cincinnati would provide “the fastest route and best route to get to Europe.”
After netting 28 goals in his first two seasons with FC Cincinnati, Vázquez was named to the MLS All-Star team in 2022 and helped the team win the Supporters’ Shield in 2023.
Prior to joining MLS, the attacker participated in the Liga MX youth academy of Club Tijuana and played for Atlanta United FC from 2017 to 2019.
In his eight matches since making his USMNT debut in 2023, Vázquez has scored four goals. In spite of Despite being eligible for Mexico as well, he said last year that “nobody” has gotten in touch with him from the federation.
Monterrey placed second in the regular season standings at the most recent Apertura competition, but he was eliminated in the playoff quarterfinals.
On January 13, Monterrey plays Puebla at home to begin their 2024 Clausura campaign.
