St Louis CITY have confirmed the transfer of forward Nicholas Gioacchini to Serie B side Como.
Gioacchini spent just one year in St Louis for their inaugural season, propelling them to a first place finish in the Western Conference standings with 56 points. The 23-year-old bagged 10 goals and dished out one assist with St Louis and hopes to bring his goal-scoring prowess to Italy to helps Como’s cause for promotion to the Serie A.
Gioacchini is under contract with his new club through the 2026/27 season, and St Louis will receive a fee of $2m that can rise to $4m in performance add-ons according to MLS insider Tom Bogert.
“While always difficult to see one of our top performing players move on, we understand the attractiveness of joining European football and will be immensely proud to cheer Niko on, as he fights for promotion to Serie A,” St Louis sporting director Lutz Pfannenstie said in a release.
“He was a key member to our inaugural season’s success and will always be remembered for it. We wish him and his family all the best.”
Gioacchini returns to Europe for a second stint after previously featuring for the likes of Montpellier and Caen in France before moving to Major League Soccer in July 2022 to sign for Orlando City.
“Niko is a versatile, exciting young player. We believe he will offer something different up front, complimenting Cutrone and Gabrielloni and ultimately developing over the rest of the season and beyond to help achieve our playing vision,” Como interim head coach Osian Roberts said in a statement.
Gioacchini, who was part of the 2021 Gold Cup winning squad with the US men’s national team, explains that he’s been itching to play in Italy for some time:
“My dad is Italian so playing in Italy has always been a dream of mine,” he said. “I can’t wait to contribute to Como’s journey, aiming for promotion and, ultimately, achieving the dream of playing on the Serie A stage.”
Como currently sit in second place in the Serie B table with 39 points, and should they hold on to their coveted position in the standings they would gain automatic promotion to the Italian top flight.
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