Neither rain, sleet, snow nor an expiring contract will keep Denis Bouanga from playing for the Los Angeles Football Club over the next four years.
The reigning MLS Golden Boot winner has extended his designated player deal with LAFC for two more seasons, keeping the 29-year-old French attacker dressed in black and gold through 2028, should the team exercise an option for the final year.
The new agreement, announced Friday by club co-president and general manager John Thorrington during a press conference at the LAFC performance training center, was described as the result of Bouanga outperforming his contract.
“That is something that starts with our owners and we greatly appreciate their understanding of what that then does for the team and the message it sends internally,” Thorrington said. “And the message it sends externally is we believe Denis is one of, if not the best, attacker in the league. To have him here for the near, medium, potentially long-term is something that is exactly aligned with our ambitions of winning more trophies.”
Joining LAFC during the 2022 summer transfer window following three seasons with AS St. Etienne in France’s Ligue 1, Bouanga was originally contracted until 2025, with a club option for one more season.
He tallied 41 goals and 16 assists across all competitions in 60 appearances for LAFC.
The Frenchman’s 20-goal regular season last year made him an MLS All-Star, MVP finalist, and a member of the league’s Best XI.
He was the top scorer in CONCACAF Champions League play and with 38 total goals tied Carlos Vela for the most by an MLS player in a calendar year. The winger connected on 15 more – boosted by four hat tricks – than next-best Philadelphia forward Daniel Gazdag.
“Frankly, it’s hard to repeat what he did last season, but we will give it our best and I know Denis will as well,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “He is a complete player, so having players like that on our squad…
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