Gabon striker nets three in CONCACAF Champions Cup opener alongside Son Heung-min’s triple assist haul whilst Fluminense deal reportedly stalls
Denis Bouanga delivered an emphatic response to transfer speculation surrounding his future, scoring three goals as LAFC demolished Real España 1-6 in their CONCACAF Champions Cup opener on Tuesday night.
The Gabon international’s hat-trick, combined with Son Heung-min‘s three assists, propelled LAFC to a commanding five-goal halftime lead at Estadio Francisco Morazán that effectively settled the two-leg first-round tie before the return fixture at BMO Stadium next Tuesday.
Bouanga wasted no time making his mark, converting a penalty in just the third minute to set the tone for what became a thoroughly one-sided contest.
David Martinez doubled the advantage in the 11th minute before Son Heung-min scored from the spot in the 22nd, with Bouanga adding his second just two minutes later to completely overwhelm the Honduran champions.
Timothy Tillman extended LAFC‘s dominance in the 39th minute, establishing a 0-5 halftime scoreline that rendered the second half a formality.
Jack Jean-Baptiste pulled one back for Real España in the 51st minute, providing brief respite for the 12-time domestic champions, but Bouanga completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute to restore LAFC‘s comprehensive margin.
The performance showcased exactly why LAFC have been reluctant to sanction Bouanga’s departure despite advanced negotiations with Brazilian side Fluminense over a reported $15 million transfer.
The 30-year-old has established himself as one of MLS’ most lethal forwards since joining four years ago, amassing 101 goals across 152 appearances whilst forming a devastating partnership with Son.
I think we all knew this: LAFC is going to be a problem this year.
Son and Bouanga may be the best MLS duo of all time. #LAFC #MLS #CCC
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— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) February 18, 2026
Fluminense transfer reportedly stalls despite agreement
Reports from Globoesporte last week suggested LAFC and Fluminense had reached terms on a deal worth approximately $15 million for Bouanga’s services.
The Brazilian club appeared confident they could secure the forward’s signature ahead of their own campaign, viewing him as a major addition capable of elevating their attacking options.
However, other reports indicate the transfer has stalled in recent days, with LAFC reconsidering whether losing such a crucial player makes sense so close to the season’s start.
The club’s hesitation reflects the practical reality that Bouanga remains virtually irreplaceable given current market conditions and time constraints.
Whilst $15 million represents substantial revenue for an MLS side, the money proves meaningless if they can’t identify and secure an adequate replacement before Saturday’s season opener against Inter Miami.
That blockbuster fixture, scheduled for February 21, will feature Son and Leo Messi on opposite sides in one of the most anticipated MLS regular season matches in league history.
The game has been moved to the 77,500-capacity LA Memorial Coliseum specifically to accommodate massive demand for what MLS is marketing as a premier attraction to launch the new campaign.
