St. Louis CITY SC has finalized the transfer of Niko Gioacchini to Como, a Serie B club in Italy, for an undisclosed fee. Gioacchini, who leaves CITY SC tied for the club’s single-season goal record with 10 goals, joins a Como team currently competing for the second automatic promotion spot to Serie A.
St. Louis CITY SC Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel commented, “While it’s always challenging to see one of our standout players leave, we recognize the appeal of European football and will proudly support Niko as he aims for Serie A promotion. He played a crucial role in our inaugural season and will be remembered fondly. We wish him and his family the best.”
Gioacchini delivered some of his best performances at St. Louis, following previous spells with clubs in France and Orlando City. He was the first player selected by CITY SC in the 2022 MLS Expansion Draft.
The 22-year-old striker achieved career highs with 36 appearances and 10 goals for St. Louis. Notable moments include scoring game-winning goals in back-to-back matches against the San Jose Earthquakes (March 19) and Real Salt Lake (March 26), as well as providing the decisive assist in the season opener at Austin (February 26).
Originally from Paris FC’s youth academy, Gioacchini joined SM Caen ahead of the 2019 Ligue 2 season and most recently spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Montpellier HSC in Ligue 1. Throughout his professional career, he has accumulated 88 appearances with 12 goals and four assists. A Kansas City native, Gioacchini has also represented the U.S. Men’s National Team, earning eight caps, scoring three goals, and registering two assists, including five appearances and one goal in the Gold Cup.
**TRANSACTION:** On January 24, 2024, St. Louis CITY SC confirmed the transfer of Niko Gioacchini to Como, an Italian Serie B club, for an undisclosed fee.