Inter Miami's Star Target Lands Massive Record-Breaking Offer

LAFC's prolific striker Denis Bouanga has attracted a $15 million offer from Brazilian club Fluminense, as per recent reports.

Bouanga has established himself as one of Major League Soccer's elite players since completing his debut full campaign in Los Angeles during 2023. Over the last three seasons, the Gabon striker's record of 64 regular season goals remains unmatched. Lionel Messi trails with 50 goals, and there were aspirations to unite these two prolific scorers at Inter Miami.

The current MLS Cup holders allegedly submitted a $13 million proposal for Bouanga during the winter period, only to receive a firm rejection stating he was unavailable for transfer.

Fluminense subsequently made their move. The Brazilian team submitted a $15 million offer for the 31-year-old striker according to The Athletic's Tom Bogert. This amount would establish Bouanga as LAFC's record sale, surpassing the $9 million received for Mateusz Bogusz twelve months ago, but seemingly met with another rejection.

Brazilian reporter Cristian Moraes indicated that discussions failed to progress due to LAFC's unwavering commitment to retaining Bouanga.

The pacey striker may have crossed the 30-year threshold but delivered his most productive scoring campaign in 2025 following Son Heung-min's arrival. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur skipper combined brilliantly with Bouanga, creating a devastating attacking partnership that became LAFC's primary offensive weapon.

If Inter Miami had succeeded with their approach, they would have acquired a tested MLS performer while simultaneously diminishing a key competitor. The Herons instead redirected their efforts to complete a $15 million acquisition of Germán Berterame.

Bouanga Bid Reflects Hidden Trend of Winter Transfer Window

Bouanga Bid Reflects Hidden Trend of Winter Transfer Window

This aggressive strategy from Fluminense represents just the latest instance of substantial Brazilian investment that has remained somewhat overlooked beyond South American borders. While the Premier League continues its generous spending habits, Europe's other top competitions have adopted more conservative financial approaches.

The Bundesliga and Ligue 1 have witnessed some moderate acquisitions, while Serie A has experienced a busier January window. However, La Liga clubs have essentially bypassed this mid-season transfer period entirely. Approaching the final moments of Deadline Day, Spain's premier division had collectively invested merely $23.9 million—roughly equivalent to half a Conor Gallagher transfer.

Brazil's premier division, in contrast, has invested over $238 million collectively—exceeding any other domestic competition apart from the Premier League. Following impressive displays at last summer's Club World Cup—where four separate teams reached the elimination stages—Brazil's top clubs are reinforcing their dominance.

Data via Transfermarkt. Correct at time of publication.