FC Cincinnati striker Brandon Vazquez is reportedly being targeted by Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach. Gladbach’s sporting director Roland Virkus scouted Vazquez during the international break in March and has since been monitoring his progress. The 24-year-old US Men’s National Team striker has scored six goals and provided one assist in 20 games this season, helping Cincinnati to first place in the Eastern Conference. Gladbach is in need of a new striker after Marcus Thuram left the club at the end of June. Vazquez is currently under contract until 2025, with Cincinnati having the option for an additional year.
Vazquez’s market value has significantly increased in 2022, going from €500,000 to €7 million. He scored 20 goals and recorded eight assists in 37 games last year. Cincinnati is expected to demand a fee in the region of €8-10 million for Vazquez. He is one of the most sought-after forwards playing in the MLS, having formed a dangerous attacking duo with Brenner, who has already left the club. Despite a slower start to this season, Vazquez recently scored a crucial goal for the US in the Gold Cup quarterfinals, indicating his readiness for the next step in his career.
If Vazquez were to join Gladbach, he would be tasked with filling the void left by Thuram, who played a significant role in France’s World Cup campaign. When comparing Vazquez’s performances to Thuram’s over the past year, they have similar goals-per-90-minutes ratios and touches in the box numbers. Vazquez has a slightly better goal conversion rate, while Thuram excels in dribbling. However, it is important to note that Thuram achieved these numbers in a top European league, while Vazquez has only had one fully productive season in the MLS.
Vazquez primarily operates as a traditional number nine and would suit Gladbach’s head coach Gerardo Seoane’s two-Man attack system. However, negotiating with Cincinnati could prove difficult, as the club has a reputation for being a challenging negotiation partner. Furthermore, Vazquez is likely to attract high demand if he continues to perform well in the MLS.
Overall, Vazquez’s potential move to Gladbach could provide him with the opportunity to further develop his career in Europe. His impressive performances and increasing market value make him an attractive prospect for the German club. However, it remains to be seen whether negotiations between the two clubs will be successful.
