Did FC Cincinnati Make a Masterstroke or Just Plug a Hole with Lukas Engel? | OneFootball

So, FC Cincinnati just signed Lukas Engel, a Danish player on loan from Middlesbrough, and at first glance, it seems like a solid move. He’s experienced, versatile, and could add value both offensively and defensively. But hold on... does this acquisition actually bring Cincinnati closer to glory, or are we just looking at another temporary fill-in to patch up a gap?

Let’s talk about Engel. The guy’s 26, which means he's not exactly a rising star, but also not on the decline. His history in Denmark is decent, he’s played for clubs like Vejle BK, Silkeborg IF, and a few other smaller teams. Statistically, he’s racked up 33 goals and 26 assists in 243 appearances. Not too shabby, but nothing that’s gonna make you jump out of your seat. And how about at Middlesbrough? Well, saying he lit up the Championship might be stretching the truth just a bit.

Does FC Cincinnati really need a player like Engel? The team’s been making strides in the MLS these past few years and has some big ambitions. Adding depth to the squad is always a good move. But if they want to truly compete with the heavyweights of the league, maybe they need more than just another backup option that might or might not see playing time.

Here’s the hard truth about the MLS: European players who come over on loan often see it as a fresh start or a way out. Some come in and make a real impact; others just fade into the background. Cincinnati has had some solid signings, but they’ve also brought in names that never lived up to the hype.

Cincinnati’s got some big challenges ahead. Their 2025 MLS season opener is set for February 22nd against New York Red Bulls, which will give us a sneak peek at what we can expect from the team. Plus, they’ve got a match against FC Motagua in the Concacaf Champions Cup, which should be an interesting test. Will Engel be settled in enough to make an impact on these games? Or will he still be in that “getting used to the league” phase, adjusting to the pace of North American soccer?