Jurgen Locadia to leave FC Cincinnati following end of loan deal

Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati will not be purchasing Dutch forward Jurgen Locadia at the end of his loan, general manager Gerard Nijkamp confirmed on Thursday. 

Prior to arriving to MLS via loan, Locadia played for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. The loan originally spanned six months but due to Covid-19 delays both sides agreed to lower a purchase option and extend his time at the club through June 2021. Despite the player’s involvement in FC Cincinnati’s success, he will not be continuing with the team. 

"I spoke last week with Brighton, of course, when I was there," Nijkamp said, via Queen City Press' Laurel Pfahler. "We will not exercise his option. That is clear, but the door is still a little bit open if there are other ways, maybe, to consider from our side to keep Jürgen...the door is not closed 100-percent but I think also it will be difficult."

The Dutch player first arrived in Cincinnati with high hopes, but struggled to find the back of the net frequently - managing just two goals in 18 appearances.

Locadia’s performance in Major League Soccer disappointed, especially after seeing the player thrive with PSV Eindhoven. Locadia recorded 72 goals and 42 assists with PSV Eindhoven (2011-17), Brighton (2018-20) and TSG Hoffenheim (2019-20). 

The Dutch forward has three games remaining to prove himself with FC Cincinnati before returning to England. 

Despite general manager Gerard Nijkamp’s comments, the door isn't completely closed for Locadia at FC Cincinnati. He did not rule out a move in the future, while MLSsoccer.com reports that the MLS club and Brighton are to remain in contact over the player.