Facundo Torres Joins Austin FC on Designated Player Contract

Facundo Torres, a winger from the Uruguay national team, has officially signed with Austin FC under a designated player contract that extends through 2030, as announced by the Major League Soccer club on Friday.

Torres joins Austin on a permanent transfer from Brazilian club Palmeiras, with a reported fee of $9.5 million, according to sources from ESPN Brasil.

Austin FC officials confirmed that the agreement includes an option to extend for the 2030-31 season.

In a statement, Torres expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I couldn’t be happier to be an Austin FC player. The ambition behind what the Club is building and the incredible soccer community there were both big factors in convincing me that this was the right move to make.”

The 25-year-old winger previously spent three seasons with Orlando City in MLS from 2022 to 2024, netting 47 goals and providing 25 assists. Notably, he holds a U.S. green card, meaning he will not occupy an international roster slot.

During his tenure at Palmeiras, Torres scored 10 goals and recorded six assists in 2025. He has also made 22 appearances for the Uruguayan national team in international competitions.

Austin FC’s sporting director, Rodolfo Borrell, praised Torres, stating, “Facundo has proven attacking quality as shown by his stellar goal and assist numbers throughout his career. He is at a prime age to join us and immediately be a top contributor as we aim to push on this season.”

Last season, Austin finished sixth in the MLS Western Conference before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by LAFC. The team is set to begin its 2026 season with a home match against Minnesota United on February 21.