FC Cincinnati’s offseason finally kicked into gear with the signings of Tom Barlow and Kristian Fletcher, adding much-needed depth and upside to the attack. We break down what Barlow brings as a high-work-rate, big-bodied striker and why Fletcher is an intriguing buy-low move as he works back from ACL surgery. We also react to Luca Orellano’s multi-million dollar transfer to Monterrey and the latest on Bryan Ramirez, who is reportedly in Cincinnati with visa issues delaying his official announcement. Chris Albright’s comments on Jabbari being signed as a starter, the midfield being set, and the backline still needing work spark a larger roster conversation. We dive into the full preseason schedule in Florida, key dates leading into the season, and what the early calendar looks like with Concacaf and MLS openers. Plus, we cover the Paul Walters loan, new player numbers, FCC2 signings, and around-the-league MLS news to get you fully caught up heading into preseason.

We break down FCC’s long-awaited roster movement with the signings of hometown veteran Kyle Smith and 16-year-old Homegrown Ademar Chavez, react to Bryan Ramírez’s near-complete move from LDU Quito, and dive into the latest twists in the Luca Orellano saga. We also analyze how the roster is shaping up ahead of preseason, what’s still needed before the season and CCC begin, and where another striker or defensive help could fit, plus touch on FCC2 updates, former FCC players, some wild national media takes, and around-the-league MLS chaos — all while thanking everyone who took part in the 615 Soccer survey and continues to support our coverage.

FC Cincinnati’s offseason remains unsettled, headlined by the unresolved Luca Orellano saga — from Monterrey’s rejected bid and reports of agreed personal terms to stalled negotiations influenced by the 30% sell-on clause owed to Vasco da Gama. With his future unclear, FCC have emerged as favorites to sign Bryan Ramirez, a 25-year-old LDU Quito winger viewed as a potential replacement despite mixed reports on fit, while also exploring depth moves like 19-year-old striker Mathias Vazquez as an FCC2 option. We also zoom out to the broader strategy, including cap flexibility, the need for a left wingback, and uncertainty at center back with Teenage Hadebe and Matt Miazga, plus other headlines such as Brenner’s possible return to Brazil, Hadebe’s AFCON and knee update, the SuperDraft selection of Ayoub Lajhar, the addition of FCC2 forward Michael Sullivan, and the club’s search for a set piece coach — raising the question of whether one key decision is holding up the rest of the offseason.