Here to stay: Denis Bouanga signs with LAFC through 2028

· Yahoo Sports

LAFC forward Dennis Bouanga (99) attempts to score during an MLS soccer game against Inter Miami CF, Saturday February 21st, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Denis Bouanga is staying in Los Angeles.

After months of transfer speculation linking the Gabon international with high-profile moves, LAFC announced Wednesday that it has re-signed the forward to a contract extension as a Designated Player through 2028, with an option through the 2029-30 season.

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ā€œAt this club, performance matters,ā€ LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said in a statement. ā€œDenis has delivered at an elite level with historic consistency since the day he arrived, and he has helped us win multiple trophies. This new contract reflects that. Weā€™re proud of what heā€™s accomplished here and are motivated to continue building on that success together.ā€

The extension follows a winter of reported interest from multiple clubs. Inter Miami made a $13 million offer for the 31-year-old attacker while also pursuing GermƔn Berterame, but LAFC immediately rejected the bid. Reports also indicated that Brazilian side Fluminense submitted an offer in the $12-15 million range and had reached an agreement in principle with the player, with negotiations centering on payment structure.

Despite the noise, Bouangaā€™s stance never appeared to waver.

During the Coachella Valley Invitational, when asked directly by fans whether he was leaving, Bouanga responded emphatically: ā€œI promise I stay.ā€

That promise now has formal backing.

Bouanga, who joined LAFC as a Designated Player on Aug. 5, 2022, quickly established himself as one of the most productive players in club history. He scored a stoppage-time winner in Portland to clinch the 2022 Supportersā€™ Shield and added two goals in the MLS Cup Playoffs as LAFC lifted the 2022 MLS Cup.

In 2023, he delivered one of the most prolific seasons ever by a Black & Gold player. Bouanga scored 20 regular-season goals with seven assists in 31 appearances to win the MLS Golden Boot, becoming the third player in club history to claim the award. Across all competitions, he recorded 38 goals and 14 assists in 48 appearances, tying the clubā€™s single-season scoring record.

He followed that campaign with 20 goals and 11 assists in 32 regular-season matches in 2024, earning MLS Best XI honors and another All-Star selection. In 2025, Bouanga raised the bar again, scoring a career-high 24 regular-season goals. He became the first player in MLS history to post three consecutive 20-goal seasons and finished as a finalist for MLS MVP award for the second straight year.

Last season, he also became LAFCā€™s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the previous mark of 93 goals. Bouanga now has 105 goals and 43 assists in 155 appearances across all competitions for the club.

His importance has only grown with the arrival of Son Heung-Min. The two formed one of the leagueā€™s most productive attacking partnerships, combining for 25 goals and eight assists (including playoffs) after Son joined the squad. Between late August and early October, the duo accounted for 18 consecutive LAFC goals, setting a new MLS record for most straight goals scored by two teammates.

Bouangaā€™s influence was on display in LAFCā€™s 3-0 win over Inter Miami in the 2026 MLS season opener. In front of 75,673 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, he scored the second goal of the night, sprinting past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair before finishing into an empty net. He also provided multiple dangerous moments in transition as LAFC opened its campaign with a statement victory over the reigning MLS Cup champions.

Internationally, Bouanga has earned 53 caps for Gabon, scoring 17 goals. He debuted in January 2017 and most recently recorded a hat trick in a World Cup qualifying win over Seychelles in September 2025.

Now, with his future secured, Bouanga remains central to LAFCā€™s ambitions.

ā€œIā€™m grateful to LAFC for the trust theyā€™ve shown in me,ā€ Bouanga said via the clubā€™s release. ā€œFrom the beginning, my family and I have felt at home in Los Angeles. Itā€™s an honor to represent this club and our supporters every time I put on the jersey. I believe in what we are building here, and Iā€™m motivated to keep improving, winning more trophies, and helping this club reach even higher.ā€

After weeks of speculation, both club and player have made their position clear. Denis Bouanga isnā€™t going anywhere.

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