TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer
FC Cincinnati announced the acquisition of 24-year-old Swiss midfielder Leonardo Bertone on Tuesday morning, using Targeted Allocation Money for the latest in a flurry of roster moves to prepare for the club's MLS debut in 2019.
Bertone arrives in Cincinnati via transfer from BSC Young Boys of the Swiss Super League. He served eight seasons there as a versatile central midfielder, making 179 appearances across all competitions while scoring 18 goals and chipping in 11 assists.
“I’m really, really excited. From the first moment when I heard about this project, I had a good feeling and said ‘I want to do this,’” Bertone said in a club statement. “For me, it was really important that I saw [FC Cincinnati Head Coach Alan Koch] in Switzerland, that’s a sign that he wanted me. It was the first time that a coach came to Switzerland for me.”
A key contributor for Young Boys' league championship-winning side last season, Bertone also boasts significant UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League experience, accumulating 31 career appearances across the two European competitions. His last Champions League appearance came in a 2-1 group stage victory over Juventus on December 12.
“We are excited to add Leo to our roster,” FCC head coach Alan Koch said. “He’s a skillful player and we believe he is a great fit for our style of play. He comes from a culture of success with Young Boys and we believe he’ll be an important part of our foundation as we instill a winning mentality within our group.”
Bertone will occupy an international roster spot on Cincinnati’s 2019 MLS roster.
