LAFC has signed prolific scorer Dénis Bouanga to a two-year contract extension through the 2027 season.
The deal announced Friday, which includes a team option for 2028, allows LAFC to move forward with the centerpiece of its attack secured for at least four seasons.
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Bouanga, 29, won the Golden Boot as Major League Soccer's top scorer in 2023, scoring 20 goals in the regular season, earning a spot in the MLS All-Star Game and being named an MVP finalist.
The speedy, accurate striker was also the top scorer in the Concacaf Champions League, leading all MLS players with 38 goals in all competitions as LAFC reached its second consecutive MLS Cup final.
Bouanga had been linked with a move to Europe during the off-season after the former Saint-Étienne striker suggested he was interested in returning to France.
“Denis has had an incredible impact on LAFC and our league over the past two seasons and has been instrumental in our success,” said LAFC General Manager John Thorrington.
“We are excited to see one of the best players in the league make this long-term commitment to LAFC and continue our commitment to winning championships in Los Angeles.”
Born in France, Bouanga plays internationally for Gabon. He joined LAFC from Saint-Étienne in August 2022.
He scored just one goal in seven games at the end of that season, but that goal was the injury-time winner in Portland to clinch the Supporters' Shield for his new club. He then added two more in the playoffs to help LAFC capture its first league championship.
Bouanga emerged as one of the best offensive players in MLS last season. He has also taken over as LAFC's offensive talisman, replacing Carlos Vela, the Mexican star and former MLS MVP.
Vela, 35, remains unsigned this season, but LAFC has said it still hopes to bring back the first player in franchise history.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
