Soccer <\/p>\n
TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:<\/strong> Signing<\/em><\/p>\n Austin FC<\/a> completed a head-turning transfer on Monday, acquiring US men’s national team<\/a> striker Brandon Vazquez<\/a> from LIGA MX powerhouse CF Monterrey.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The 26-year-old joins Austin on a four-year guaranteed contract through 2028 with an option for 2029. He arrives for reportedly around $10 million (club-record fee) and will hold a Designated Player roster spot.<\/p>\n To complete the transaction, Austin moved atop the MLS waiver order by trading the San Jose Earthquakes<\/a> $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) split evenly across the next two seasons.<\/p>\n Vazquez previously starred in MLS for FC Cincinnati<\/a>, earning Best XI presented by Continental Tire honors in 2022 and helping their 2023 squad claim the Supporters’ Shield. That rise propelled his January 2024 move to Monterrey<\/a> for reportedly $7.5 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause. Nearly one year later, he’s returned to MLS.<\/p>\n “Brandon has already proven to be a goalscorer in both MLS and LIGA MX,” said sporting director Rodolfo Borrell.<\/p>\n “His well-known daily dedication to get prepared for games, his passion for the game, and his determination when he competes were key factors when deciding on bringing him to Austin FC.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Vazquez arrives with seven years of MLS experience, first backing up Josef Mart\u00ednez<\/a> at Atlanta United<\/a> (2017-19) and later flourishing with Luciano Acosta<\/a> at FC Cincinnati (2020-23). For Cincy, he scored a then-club-record 43 goals across all competitions and was named a 2022 MLS All-Star alongside Best XI recognition.<\/p>\n While at Monterrey, Vazquez produced 14g\/1a in 49 matches. He helped Rayados reach the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> semifinals.<\/p>\n The Southern California native has scored four goals in 11 USMNT appearances. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, he’s received several call-ups under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.<\/p>\n “I couldn\u2019t be more excited to join Austin FC, and I want to give special thanks to Anthony Precourt, Rodolfo Borrell and Nico Est\u00e9vez for their efforts and belief in me,” said Vazquez.<\/p>\n “Austin FC is an organization with terrific fan support, with big plans for the future. I hope to make an immediate impact this season and help contribute to the success of the club for years to come.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Austin FC (@AustinFC) January 6, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n Vazquez fills Austin’s No. 9 vacancy after they bought out Gyasi Zardes’ contract<\/a>. He joins two other DPs \u2013 2022 MLS MVP runner-up Sebasti\u00e1n Driussi<\/a> and summer 2024 signing Osman Bukari<\/a> \u2013 as frontmen in the attack. However, Driussi is reportedly nearing an exit back to River Plate in his native Argentina.<\/p>\n Last year, Austin’s 39 goals scored were the third-fewest in MLS. That contributed to Est\u00e9vez replacing Josh Wolff<\/a> as head coach, after the Verde & Black finished 10th in the Western Conference and missed the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.<\/p>\n Austin’s 2025 campaign begins on Feb. 22 at home vs. Sporting Kansas City<\/a> (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nVast experience<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
New No. 9<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n