Brazilian club agrees $15 million fee with Los Angeles FC for Denis Bouanga, but transfer stalls on final condition
Denis Bouanga looked to be on the brink of a surprising move to Brazilian football, with Fluminense securing an agreement with Los Angeles FC worth $15 million (€12.6m) for the Gabonese forward.
The deal, however, remains incomplete as LAFC refuses to finalise the transfer until they identify a suitable replacement for one of MLS history’s most prolific scorers.
According to Globoesporte, both clubs have settled on financial terms, and Bouanga himself has approved the switch to Brazil’s top division.
The former Saint-Étienne winger’s contract with LAFC runs through 2027, giving the MLS side leverage to dictate the timeline and conditions of any departure.
LAFC’s hesitation centres on protecting their attacking firepower. Bouanga became the first player in MLS history to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons, establishing himself as the club’s offensive cornerstone before Son Heung-min‘s arrival.
His numbers justify LAFC’s caution. Bouanga recorded 20 goals and seven assists in 2023, then matched that goal total while adding 10 assists in 2024. Last season represented his peak performance, with 24 goals and seven assists across 31 league matches.
Miami interest rejected before Fluminense emerged
This isn’t the first time Bouanga has attracted attention during the current transfer window. Inter Miami made an official approach, recognising his ability to elevate their already star-studded attack. LAFC immediately shut down those discussions, unwilling to strengthen a direct rival competing for the same championship.
Fluminense‘s interest presented a different scenario. Transferring Bouanga to Brazil wouldn’t bolster a domestic competitor, making LAFC more receptive to negotiations.
The clubs progressed quickly to an agreed fee, but the replacement condition has stalled momentum as the Brazilian transfer window remains open ahead of the season starting next week.
Clues about Bouanga’s potential departure emerged during LAFC’s new kit launch on Tuesday. The club unveiled their traditional black and gold design with Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min featured prominently in promotional materials.
Bouanga’s absence from both the video presentation and the jersey personalisation options raised immediate questions about his future.
Black & Gold, built on LA history.
Introducing our 2026 Primary Kit, out now.
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— LAFC (@LAFC) February 10, 2026
LAFC to face Messi’s Inter Miami in MLS opener
LAFC will kick off the 2026 Major League Soccer season at home against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in what has been billed as a marquee showdown to launch the campaign.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 21:30 ET / 18:30 PT at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where LAFC will host the defending MLS Cup champions in a high-profile “MLS Is Back” weekend clash.
The match will be available to stream live on Apple TV as part of the league’s broadcast package, which includes every MLS match on the platform, with select games also airing on linear TV in some regions.