FC Cincinnati announced Tuesday that it has acquired Swiss midfielder Leonardo Bertone using Targeted Allocation Money, as the expansion team continues to shore up its roster in preparation for the club's MLS debut in 2019.
The 24-year-old Switzerland native was acquired via a transfer from BSC Young Boys of the Swiss Super League, where he played for eight seasons.
"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 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."
Bertone made 179 appearances across all competitions including 130 starts, scored 18 goals and added 11 assists for Young Boys. In addition, Bertone boasts a combined 31 appearances in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches.
"We are excited to add Leo to our roster," said Koch. "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."
