FC Cincinnati’s Jurgen Locadia “Dreams” of Staying in MLS

Jurgen Locadia with Brighton in 2019. Photo by Simon Dael/BPI/Shutterstock (10100222cc)

FC Cincinnati’s Jurgen Locadia played just two games in Major League Soccer, but it seems that this was enough for the Dutch striker to fall in love with the soccer in the United States. In a recent chat with MLSsoccer.com, Locadia said that it is his “dream” to continue playing in MLS.

Locadia joined FC Cincinnati in February on a five-month loan from Premier League side Brighton but didn’t see much action as MLS season was suspended due to coronavirus pandemic. Still, the first impressions were good as he already managed to score for his new club. 

“My first experiences in MLS (have) been great,” said Locadia. “It’s my dream to stay here. It’s my goal.”

Despite Locadia’s intent to remain in the U.S., this might be a lot more complicated than it looks.

FC Cincinnati has the option to make the move permanent until early July, but that would come with a price tag of around $10 million. Considering the transfer would be one of the biggest in MLS history, there are questions whether the club would be willing to pay this kind of money for a player they didn’t see in action all that much.

There are several other ways that Locadia could remain in the MLS. FC Cincinnati could negotiate a smaller fee for the player, or extend the loan and get a larger sample size to help them make a decision.

Locadia himself is aware of the situation but remains optimistic that FC Cincinnati will manage to find a way to keep him around.

“I think I showed at least a small bit of my quality in the first two games,” he added. “I hope they’re happy with it. I hope they find a way to figure something out with Brighton.”

Jurgen Locadia made his name in Dutch Eredivisie, where he played seven seasons with PSV. He helped the team win two domestic titles, scoring 62 goals in 176 appearances, before joining Brighton in 2017.

Locadia failed to leave his mark during his time in England, contributing with just six goals in three seasons. Before joining Cincinnati, he also had a brief loan stint with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

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