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 into the perennial contender they are today.

“He essentially sulked his way out of town,” wrote one Cincy supporter in an online comment at the time of his exit. General manager Chris Albright was perceived to be putting it mildly when he used the term “immature” regarding the then-22-year-old’s comportment.

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