'My objective is clear': MLS top scorer Denis Bouanga plots European return

But all is not well in Los Angeles. In an interview with French newspaper Le Maine Libre, Bouanga admitted that his time at LAFC may be coming to a close.

"My objective is clear and stated: I would like to come back and play in France or in a European club," Bouanga said.

Bouanga's current LAFC contract reportedly runs through 2025, meaning an early exit would be expensive for potential suitors. Bouanga was originally signed for $5M; LAFC would likely need to receive significantly more than that to make up for his broken contract. 

"He's under contract," said LAFC GM John Thorrington. "He's the top goal scorer in the league, a huge part of how we play. So our plan is absolutely that he's under contract for another few years and that he'll be back. We never know what may happen, but it's going to be a hugely, hugely expensive transfer fee if he's not here next year."

The trouble for Bouanga is his age. He's 29 — not old, but well past the point of being a 'futures' player — and many European clubs will be unwilling to spend the money LAFC requires on a striker past his prime.

But there is one other option for Bouanga: Saudi Arabia. The growing Saudi league has expressed interest in Bouanga and has the resources available to pay for him.

But is the idea of a Saudi transfer enough to pry him away from Los Angeles?

"I am really happy to have played for a year and a half here, to get to know MLS, to get to know CONCACAF," Bouanga said. "Los Angeles really knows who they bring in and what players they get. They really know what they're doing."