Acosta signs new deal - Why FC Cincinnati were desperate to keep their no.10

FC Cincinnati have signed Designated Player Luciano Acosta to a new contract on Friday. The 29-year-old Argentine has agreed to a deal that will run until 2026 with a club option for 2027. Acosta saw his market value increase from €4.5m to €6m in the latest Major League Soccer market value update and is now the third most valuable player on FC Cincinnati’s squad behind Brandon Vazquez (€8.5m) and Aaron Boupendza (€6.5m) and one of the most valuable players in the league overall. According to the Major League Soccer Player Association (MLSPA), Acosta earned $2.17m in guaranteed compensation this season. 

Cincinnati acquired Acosta for €2.7m ($3m) from Mexican side Atlas in March 2021. As part of the deal, Acosta’s previous Major League Soccer club, D.C. United also received $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) plus future incentives. The entire package made Acosta one of the five most expensive signings in FC Cincinnati’s history (overview).

"Lucho is a tremendously important player for our team and our club," FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright said in a club statement. "He's clearly one of the best players in our league, capable of producing the spectacular moments that win you games. His winning mentality, along with his continued growth as a leader and a captain, have allowed Lucho to become the best version of himself. It's apparent how connected he feels to our city and community, and we're proud to have Lucho representing FC Cincinnati."

Signed until 2026 – Why FC Cincinnati were desperate to keep Acosta long-term

Indeed, Acosta has been one of the most productive players in MLS since joining Cincinnati in 2021. The playmaker has scored 34 goals and 30 assists in 101 games across all competitions for the Orange and Blue. This season Acosta has scored 14 goals and eight assists in 27 MLS regular season games, which ranks him second only to Nashville SC star Hany Mukhtar (15 goals and eight assists). 

There is no doubt that Acosta has developed into one of the best players in MLS since rejoining the league in 2021. Opta stats reveal that since 2021, Acosta’s 32 goals rank him eighth in goalscoring. Acosta is second only to New England Revolution playmaker Carles Gil (30 assists and 304 key passes) with 29 assists and 223 key passes since 2021. But the biggest impact has come this season. With Acosta orchestrating the attack, Cincinnati have dominated MLS and are currently nine points clear on top of the Eastern Conference standings and on the path to securing the club’s first-ever Supporters’ Shield trophy.