Fluminense has raised the stakes again. The target is forward Denis Bouanga, who has become an icon for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer (MLS). Negotiations have already reached a critical stage, and only the final sticking point remains.
Brazil's O Globo reported on the 7th (Korean time) that Fluminense focused all its attention on signing Denis Bouanga as soon as the attempt to bring back John Arias collapsed. With Arias staying at Wolverhampton, Fluminense moved beyond simply considering alternatives and effectively shifted to an all-in approach to signing Bouanga.
According to reports, Fluminense and Los Angeles FC have already agreed on a total transfer fee of $15 million (21.9 billion won). However, detailed adjustments are continuing over the proportions and timing of the first two partitioning payments. O Globo emphasized that the core of this negotiation is not the amount of the transfer fee but the payment structure.
Although negotiations are dragging on, the atmosphere inside Fluminense is relatively stable. Club leaders view this transaction as a large and complex negotiation befitting the player's stature, and they are said to be accepting the extended schedule as natural. At the same time, a cautious optimism about reaching a final agreement is being maintained.
The player's own willingness is also a variable. Media outlets said Fluminense views Bouanga's positive stance toward a challenge in Brazil as an important factor in the negotiations. That could help resolve issues over payment terms. Los Angeles FC is also reportedly maintaining a stance of protecting the club's contractual interests while not damaging its relationship with a player who has become symbolic.
Denis Bouanga, a Gabon national who hails from Le Mans, France, has effectively dominated MLS since joining Los Angeles FC in the summer of 2022. He experienced an MLS Cup victory in his first season and won the league golden boot in the 2023 season. He has since proven his consistency by being named to the league best 11 for three consecutive seasons. In particular, by scoring more than 20 goals in three straight seasons, he surpassed Carlos Vela to become one of LAFC's all-time leading scorers.
Local Brazilian journalists are also optimistic. Christian Moraes said on his social media that Fluminense has reopened talks with Los Angeles FC about signing Bouanga, that the $15 million offer has already been accepted, and that the remaining issue is the payment method. Fluminense's dedicated reporter Victor Lessa also said the club is showing confidence in the signing and mentioned the possibility that negotiations could be concluded relatively soon.
This transfer discussion is directly tied to LAFC's roster planning. Last season Bouanga formed what was dubbed the Heung-bo duo with Son Heung-min, helping define the team's attacking identity. Locally, the attacking partnership centered on the two players has been seen as symbolic of LAFC's strength. If Bouanga departs, LAFC would face not just a simple loss of personnel but the need to redesign the attack built around Son Heung-min. That is also why LAFC is not likely to yield easily on the payment method issue.
Meanwhile, LAFC will play its final preseason tune-up against New York City FC at the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio, California, on Feb. 9. The club will then begin its official season with a CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round away match on Feb. 18. On Feb. 22 it will play the 2026 MLS regular-season opener against Inter Miami at the LA Coliseum. The matchup between Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi is drawing major attention.
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