New England Revolution acquire Kekuta Manneh via trade from FC Cincinnati

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade

The New England Revolution acquired winger Kekuta Manneh via trade from FC Cincinnati on Monday morning, sending an international roster slot through Dec. 31, 2020 the other way.

Manneh has seven seasons of MLS experience, amassing 149 appearances (87 starts), 30 goals and 18 appearances. He’s yet to appear for the US men’s national team after earning his citizenship in 2016, but was called into a January 2017 camp by then-head coach Bruce Arena, as well as for a March 2018 friendly against Paraguay. Manneh, 25, is originally from Gambia.

“Kekuta is a player I’ve known for a number of years who can play a number of attacking positions, possesses good speed and quickness, and also has a solid goal scoring record in our league,” said Arena, the Revolution sporting director and head coach in a statement. “I’m hopeful he can adjust quickly to our club and help strengthen our roster as we prepare for the last 18 games of the regular season.”

The international slot leaves FC Cincy primed to make another move on the global market as they look to build off a Round of 16 appearance at the MLS is Back Tournament. They’re still in their early days under head coach Jaap Stam, while general Gerard Nijkamp now has increased options during the Secondary Transfer Window.

“We want to thank Kekuta for his role in helping build this club, having joined our organization in its inaugural MLS season,” Nijkamp said. “We wish him all the best in the next step of his career. This move will give us greater flexibility in what we can do as we look to add to our roster for the remainder of the 2020 MLS season.”

Manneh joined the Orange and Blue ahead of their inaugural MLS campaign in 2019, logging four goals and three assists across 29 matches. He also has previous stops at the Columbus Crew SC (2017) and Vancouver Whitecaps (2013-17), plus spent portions of the past two seasons at Pachuca in Liga MX and St. Gallen in Switzerland.