Álvaro Barreal has been loaned by FC Cincinnati to Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, a Série A club in Brazil, until December 2024, the clubs announced today. Cruzeiro will have the option to buy Barreal for an undisclosed sum as part of the agreement. If certain requirements are fulfilled, FC Cincinnati also maintains the right to end the loan agreement.
Barreal, 23, recently finished an incredible season with FC Cincinnati. With eight goals and sixteen assists in 46 games for FC Cincinnati the previous season, the dynamic playmaker was selected as an MLS All-Star in June.
For his incredible volley from more than 20 yards out in September 2023, Barreal was named a finalist for the coveted FIFA Puskás Award, which is given to the best goal scored globally that year playing the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Barreal has made 121 appearances for Orange and Blue since joining the team in 2020, scoring 19 goals and providing 29 assists over the course of four seasons. The native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, started out as a forward for FC Cincinnati before switching around a few positions and eventually becoming a standout left wingback for the team led by Head Coach Pat Noonan.
TRANSACTION: Álvaro Barreal, loaned by FC Cincinnati to Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, a Brazilian Série A club, expires on March 1, 2024. Cruzeiro will have the option to buy Barreal for an undisclosed sum as part of the agreement. If certain requirements are fulfilled, FC Cincinnati also maintains the right to end the loan agreement.
