FC Cincinnati have signed midfielder Álvaro Barreal to a contract extension through the 2023 season, with club options for 2024 and 2025, the club announced today. Barreal made 32 regular season appearances for the Orange and Blue last season in a year which saw FC Cincinnati earn their first trip to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
“Álvaro showed tremendous growth in 2022 and became a critical piece in our group.” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “He’s an elite talent who can excel in multiple positions for us, and we look forward to his continued development and production with FC Cincinnati.”
Barreal joined FC Cincinnati in September 2020 from Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield of the Argentina Primera División. Since making his MLS debut with the Orange and Blue against Philadelphia Union on October 7, 2020, Barreal’s 75 appearances across all competitions are tied with Brandon Vazquez for the most over that span.
"I am very excited to stay with FC Cincinnati,” said Barreal. “Thank you to Chris, Pat and the staff for continuing to believe in me, and I’m excited to continue wearing the FC Cincinnati shirt for these fans.”
Across all competitions, the 22-year-old Argentine has the third-most assists for the club (13), and he ranks in the top-4 in club history in goals (11), starts (59), appearances (75) and minutes played (5,136) for the Orange and Blue.
Barreal enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, scoring five goals and connecting with teammates for nine assists, finishing second on the team behind only the league-leader Luciano Acosta in the category (19). He also added three goals in U.S. Open Cup competition, including his first career brace on April 19 against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and a goal against the New England Revolution.
Barreal’s versatility playing as an attacker, defender, and wing back proved vital for FC Cincinnati in the club’s first MLS Cup Playoff berth. He earned his first career spot on the MLS Team of the Week in Week 24 as a defender following tallying a goal and an assist in FCC’s 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati sign Álvaro Barreal to a contract extension through 2023 with club options for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
