There’s something different about FC Cincinnati’s training camp this spring. Hope.
This is the result of Cincy’s 2022 campaign, a significant turnaround for the back-to-back Wooden Spoon winner. They finished fifth in the East, but just as importantly, they played an exciting, uptempo style of football. Once the laughing stock of the league, Cincinnati enters this season with real expectations.
But one lingering question remains surrounding the club. That’s the status of Brazilian forward Brenner, the highest-paid player. The 23-year-old was a revelation in 2022 after many pegged him as one of the flops of major league football’s all-time picks. His 18 goals and his 6 assists were crucial to Cincinnati’s modest success, as was his budding partnership with Brandon Vazquez of the United States National Team, who played alongside him.
That performance drew some interest for Brenner from abroad during the winter transfer window, notably from Premier League side Nottingham Forest. Forest, now fighting to avoid relegation, were said to have made an offer to the Brazilian, but Cincinnati — Paid $13 million to buy him in 2020 Forrest reportedly left the table.
A source close to talks with Nottingham Forest offered a different view on Friday. Cincinnati prepared what a source characterized as a “very reasonable counter-proposal” to Forrest. British clubs had potential concerns over Brenner’s ability to secure a work visa, sources said. It has been known to be very difficult for teams to secure in recent years. A condensed timetable for negotiations that began just days before the end of the January transfer window did not add to these concerns.
This is a potentially damaging blow to Brenner’s psyche and his entire relationship with the club. The forward had been training alone before talks with Forrest fell apart, but at one point a deal seemed imminent. , evokes the memory of FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta. Transfer to French giants Paris Saint-Germain canceled At the time, Acosta was a player for DC United.
On Thursday, Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan spoke about Brenner’s current situation in an interview. athleticNoonan said the attacker had not trained with the club in over two weeks and was currently in Brazil receiving treatment for a family illness. A representative for Brenner did not respond to a request for comment.
“He’ll report to Cynthie when we get back,” Noonan said. “Originally we went on a three-day break and two days before that negotiations[with Nottingham Forest]were underway. , which gave him an excuse for two days out of training. There was frustration early on (from Brenner) as negotiations unfolded and the transfer did not materialize, leading to a break… However, he was playing at a very high level before leaving. And it’s a shame he saw our group and stayed away from the group for so long. ”
According to Noonan, the club has continued to play with two strikers at the top in the meantime, and much of its success in 2022 will depend on this formation. and Colorado are considering other options for the club, including Rapids forwards Dominique Bagi, Sergio Santos and 19-year-old hometown attacker Alquimides Ordóñez.
However, Noonan expressed concern over Brenner’s potential mindset when he rejoins the group next week.
“I’m[concerned]because he’s an important part of our team and it’s difficult for him to come back and play again if he’s not in the right place mentally.” As a player, when you have this ambition and dream and it doesn’t come true the way you want it to, how do you react? I don’t know how it will look, but with the support of our staff, the club and his teammates, he will come back strong so he can be on the right track again. I hope that.”
Brenner will continue to be the focus of international attention if he restores the form he showed last season. For Cincinnati, he is not only a key player on the pitch, but a key part of their transfer strategy. Clearly, the club will heed offers for star forwards in the summer transfer window.
“It was a dream for him to play in the top five leagues, especially the Premier League, but it never happened,” Noonan said. “Okay, well, we’re still going to work with you and get you there. That’s our goal this summer.”
For now, Noonan seems eager to reintegrate Brenner into the fold.
Cincinnati will begin the 2023 season on February 25 at home against the Houston Dynamo.
“He’s part of the project,” says Noonan. “But at the moment, I think the project will last until the summer and then be re-evaluated. It’s been far too long for us to hope that he’s back soon and seamlessly. He will be able to find his way back onto the field.”
(Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
