FC Cincinnati finalizes loan deal for forward Brenner from Udinese

FC Cincinnati is set to bring back Brazilian forward Brenner on loan from Udinese for the remainder of the 2025 MLS season, with a purchase option included. Brenner, 25, previously played for Cincinnati from 2021 to 2023, where he set the club's single-season goal record with 18 goals in 2022 and scored 27 goals in 72 appearances overall. After transferring to Udinese in mid-2023 for around $11 million, Brenner struggled to find form in Italy, scoring just two goals in 19 appearances. Cincinnati aims to bolster its attack led by Evander and Kevin Denkey as the team pursues the Supporters' Shield, currently leading the Eastern Conference by a point. The deal was finalized just before the MLS summer transfer window closed, with Brenner not counting as a Designated Player and reportedly taking a salary cut to return. Additionally, FC Cincinnati traded defender DeAndre Yedlin to Real Salt Lake and is reportedly close to signing winger Dominik Marczuk, signaling a busy transfer period for the club.