It was perhaps the most shocking late twist in the MLS summer transfer window.

Seemingly out of nowhere, FC Cincinnati swung an 11th-hour deal to bring their former striker Brenner back to TQL Stadium on loan from Udinese , a potent yet puzzling reinforcement for the Knifey Lions’ trophy push.

While his $11 million-plus transfer to the Italian Serie A side ranks as Cincy’s club-record outbound fee, the Brazilian did not endear himself to the club or their fans on his way out in 2023.

Frustrated by a rough start to his MLS experience under FCC’s previous technical staff, Brenner had previously requested a return to his homeland, then pushed hard – beyond the boundaries of professionalism, to some – for a move to Europe even as the club was climbing from wooden-spoon punchline int

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