FC Cincinnati set to acquire Pavel Bucha from Czech Republic's Viktoria Plzen
FC Cincinnati is finalizing the transfer acquisition of Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Bucha, club sources confirmed to The Enquirer.
Bucha, 25, of Czech first-division side Viktoria Plzen will soon join FC Cincinnati, the sources confirmed. Terms of the transfer weren't immediately provided and it's unclear when the player will join Cincinnati, which is in the midst of its preseason.
The move to acquire Bucha could prove to be a boon for FC Cincinnati and General Manager Chris Albright, whose most formidable roster-building assets and roster designations were largely committed to existing players this offseason.
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Bucha is considered a "box-to-box" midfielder, which typically means he's equally effective and present at both ends of the field. He's also in the prime of his career as Bucha logged 163 career appearances for Plzen and notched 50 goal contributions (29 goals, 21 assists) during that span.
Bucha helped lead Plzen to a title in the Czech top-flight and to Europe's most prestigious club competitions.
Bucha is a veteran of campaigns in the UEFA Champions League, which is considered by many to be the elite club competition in the world. Bucha's also participated in the UEFA Europa League, Europe's second-tier club competition, and the UEFA Conference League, a third-tier continental championship on the continent.
At 25, Bucha is thought to be a possible upgrade to the 30-year-old, out-of-contract Junior Moreno, who helped anchor the midfield for FCC the past two seasons in a box-to-box capacity. Of course, Bucha will have to prove himself and compete for minutes -- that competition would primarily be against midfielder Yuya Kubo -- but it's thought Bucha is capable shouldering the responsibility of starting for FCC in 2024.
Bucha is just the latest addition to FC Cincinnati this offseason. The club added center back Miles Robinson in one of the biggest free-agent pickups in MLS history. Goal-scorer Corey Baird was also acquired via free-agency.
Brandon Vazquez departed FC Cincinnati for CF Monterrey of the Mexican top-flight and left back Alvaro Barreal is still seeking a move to Europe. Both of those situations could necessitate further personnel acquisitions by FCC.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: FC Cincinnati set to acquire Pavel Bucha from Viktoria Plzen
