It does not appear likely that Son Heung-min's (34) partner Dénis Bouanga (32, both LAFC) will leave LAFC immediately. Transfer rumors have not stopped, but evaluations say negotiations between clubs remain at the starting line.
Tom Bogert of The Athletic reported on his personal channel on the 2nd that Fluminense made an offer of about $15 million (about 21.8 billion won) to sign LAFC's key forward Bouanga. Bogert classified Bouanga as one of MLS's top-tier forwards, noting his selection to the best XI for three consecutive seasons and his experience as an MVP candidate.
Bouanga has been at the center of the market throughout this winter. Inter Miami officially approached him, but LAFC, judging it could not hand its ace to a title-contending club, did not open the negotiation table. After Fluminense joined in, the transfer rumors flared up again.
The conclusion is still pending. Bouanga's departure would be a direct blow to LAFC's strength. Before Son Heung-min's transfer, Bouanga was indisputably LAFC's emblem. He is the first forward in MLS history to reach the 20-goal mark in three consecutive seasons. He made his presence felt with 20 goals and seven assists in the 2023 season, and in 2024 he remained the offensive backbone with 20 goals and 10 assists.
Last season was close to a peak. He recorded 24 goals and seven assists in 31 league matches, keeping the golden boot race alive until the end. Until the transfer, he effectively bore the attack alone, but the environment changed after Son Heung-min joined. Opposing defenses' attention was dispersed, and Bouanga improved his finishing from freer positions.
At first there were concerns about positional overlap. In actual matches, the roles were clearly divided. Depending on the moment, combinations reminiscent of Son Heung-min and Harry Kane emerged, and within that flow Bouanga completed the milestone of "MLS's first three consecutive 20-goal seasons."
The destructive power of the so-called "Heung-Boo duo" also affected the league landscape. If LAFC adjusts its reliance on this pairing and achieves tactical balance, evaluations said a title challenge in the new season is fully possible. Conversely, Bouanga's departure would be a variable that could collapse this plan in an instant.
If Son Heung-min has to lead the attack alone ahead of the season opener, opponents' preparations will become much easier. The structure could flow toward shutting down just one ace. However, at this point there is no agreement between LAFC and Fluminense.
John Thorrington, LAFC director general, reaffirmed the club's principle. He said player sales are possible only when loss of strength, club value, and replacement resources are all satisfied. He explained that none of those conditions have been settled for Bouanga.
Bogert also reported in a follow-up that, contrary to rumors, Fluminense and LAFC had not reached an agreement. He said attempts are ongoing but there has been no visible progress. Judging by the current flow, Bouanga is more likely to wear the LAFC uniform in the new season.
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