FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Major League Soccer's secondary transfer window opened on Tuesday, July 9, and the New England Revolution got right down to business as forward Gustavo Bou was unveiled as a Designated Player just one day into the window.
“It’s great. Gustavo’s an outstanding player,” said sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena.
“He’s got a lot of quality, a great track record, and we look forward to working with him over the next couple weeks to fit him into our team the right way, and piece our team together the right way to take advantage of his qualities.”
With 12 years of professional experience under his belt, Bou has totaled more than 270 games played, 85 goals scored, and 35 assists in all competitions, including playing at the highest levels in Argentina, Mexico and Ecuador.
Bou has been in peak form recently, registering seven goals and two assists in his final six games with Liga MX side Tijuana, scoring at least once in all six of those contests. He ranked top five league-wide in both goals (10) and assists (five) in Liga MX's 2019 Torneo Clausura.
“He’s an experienced player,” said Arena. “He’s going to help generate attacking chances for us – whether that’s scoring goals or setting goals up or moving in the right spots to help others. He’s a player with a lot of experience, a lot of quality, and a real good track record.”
Still just 29 years old, Bou will bring a wealth of knowledge and vast on-field experience to the Revolution squad. With a creative skillset he has demonstrated an ability to play across the attacking front four, but he likely fits most comfortably on the left wing.
“In a pinch he can play the number nine position - which he’s really not natural - and he can play the 10, he can play the seven, the 11,” said Arena. “He can play a bunch of spots. Positions close to goal is where he needs to play.”
Bou has already arrived in Foxborough and is eager to join in with his new teammates soon, especially to integrate early in the Arena coaching era. Coming into the squad at the beginning of the transfer window with still 15 games left in the regular season provides Bou with the perfect chance to make an immediate impact as the Revs aim for playoff contention in the Fall.
