FC Cincinnati announced the acquisition of Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Gidi (pronounced Ghee-Dee)from MŠK Žilina of the Slovakian First Division via transfer. Gidi will join the Orange and Blue as a U22 Initiative Player, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa, on a contract through the 2028 season with an option for 2029. He will occupy an International Roster Slot.
The move was first reported by national insider Tom Bogert Aug. 5, and comes near the end of the summer transfer window, which closes Aug. 21.
Gidi, 21, has made over 100 professional appearances in Europe with Žilina. In parts of four seasons with the club, the midfielder has scored nine goals and added eight assists.
“We’re excited to add Samuel to the team,” FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright said in a press release. “He’s a talented midfielder with significant European experience despite his young age. His versatility across the midfield and strong mentality make him an excellent fit for our group. We look forward to welcoming him to Cincinnati.”
In July 2022, at age 18, Gidi made his first-team debut for Žilina. He joined the club at the age of 15 and previously had spent part of his youth career with New Life Football Academy in his hometown of Accra, Ghana.
Last season, the midfielder was among the team’s leaders in appearances, making 30 in all competitions. Upon his transfer, Gidi made four appearances, all starts, in the current 2025-26 season with Žilina. Two of his appearances came in UEFA Conference League qualifiers, where he has started six times in total for the Slovakian club.
“I’m really happy to join this club,” Gidi said in the release. “I am always ready to give my all for the club, to achieve any goal set, and win some trophies.”
Gidi should help with the team’s midfield depth, which has taken some hits because veterans Yuya Kubo and Obinna Nwobodo have been out with lasting injuries.
FC Cincinnati hosts New York City Football Club 7:30 p.m. Saturday at TQL Stadium. It is the first of the final seven games of the regular season. Cincy is back atop the Eastern Conference after defeating Portland 3-2 Aug. 16, combined with Philadelphia losing 1-0 at New York Red Bulls. Cincy (16-7-4) has 52 points and leads Philly by one point, and is tied with Western Conference leader San Diego atop the Supporters’ Shield standings.
Cincy hosts Philadelphia Union Aug. 30 in a match that will have major implications for both tables.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: FC Cincinnati signs Ghana native, midfielder Samuel Gidi
Reporting by James Weber, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
