MLS Golden Boot winner will stay through the 2027 season with an option for 2028
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— LAFC (@LAFC) March 8, 2024
TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension
Dénis Bouanga is here to stay, as LAFC announced Friday that the reigning MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi winner has signed a contract extension through the 2027 season with an option for 2028, Jonathan Sigal reports for MLS Soccer.
Bouanga, 29, was linked with a wintertime return to France’s Ligue 1. The Designated Player’s long-term home is now with the Black & Gold.
“Dénis has made an incredible impact on LAFC and our league over the last two seasons and has been critical to our success,” LAFC co-president & general manager John Thorrington said in a release.
“We are excited to see one of the best players in the league make this long-term commitment to LAFC and continue our commitment to winning championships in Los Angeles.”
The star forward joined LAFC in August 2022 from AS Saint-Étienne, the capstone of a summer transfer window that also brought Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini to Hollywood. Those moves paid off, with Bouanga scoring the Supporters’ Shield-clinching goal before LAFC later completed a double as MLS Cup champions.
Then, in 2023, Bouanga’s stock reached new heights. The Gabon international tied Carlos Vela for the MLS calendar-year goals record (38), part of 51 goal contributions in 48 matches as LAFC returned to the MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup finals.
In 2023, Bouanga earned MLS All-Star honors, was named to the Best XI presented by Continental Tire, and finished as runner-up to FC Cincinnati‘s Luciano Acosta in the Landon Donovan MLS MVP race. For his LAFC career, Bouanga has 41g/16a in 60 matches across all competitions.
Bouanga spearheads an attack this year that could get significant reinforcements in the months ahead since LAFC has two open DP spots.
LAFC returns to action on Saturday evening, hosting Sporting Kansas City for a Western Conference showdown (10:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
