Sebastián Driussi becomes Austin FC's record signing - "A phenomenal and versatile player"

©www.fc-zenit.ru

What was speculated for a long time has now been officially confirmed. Sebastián Driussi moves with immediate effect from Zenit St. Petersburg to Austin FC. Austin made use of Driussi's buy-out clause in this transfer. According to information from Transfermarkt.ru, this was around $7 million. No details were provided on the contract length.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sebastián to Austin," said Austin FC's sporting director Claudio Reyna. "Sebastián is poised to be an offensive difference maker in MLS. He has represented Argentina’s youth national teams, played in the UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and FIFA Club World Cup in addition to winning 14 trophies so far in his career."

“Sebastián is a phenomenal and versatile player who will elevate our attack and make us more dangerous going forward,” commented Austin FC head coach, Josh Wolff. “We've had our eye on him for quite some time. We are confident that Sebastián’s international experience and pedigree will raise the level of our entire group and help us compete for a playoff spot this season.”

Driussi moved from his youth club River Plate to Zenit St. Petersburg for $16.5 million in July 2017. For the Zenitchiki, the 25-year-old Argentine played 138 games across all competitions, scoring 24 goals himself and setting up 22 others. He won the Russian championship three times, the Super Cup twice and the Russian Cup once.

“I am excited to join Austin FC and continue my career in Major League Soccer,” said the new arrival. “I have followed the Club in this inaugural season, and I feel honored to represent Austin. The support for Austin FC is world-class, and it was a key factor in my decision to join Austin. I look forward to joining my teammates and coaching staff in making Austin proud and earning positive results.”

Driussi, Redes, Pochettino, Domínguez & Co.: Austin FC record arrivals

Sebastian Berhalter | Signed from Columbus Crew in 2021 | Loan fee: $50,000

1/14

Ben Sweat | Signed from Inter Miami CF in 2021 | Fee: $100,000

2/14

Ulises Segura | Signed from D.C. United in 2021 | Fee: $150,000

3/14

Damian Las | Signed from Fulham in 2022 | Fee: $150,000

4/14

Jon Gallagher | Signed from Atlanta United in 2021 | Fee: $225,000

5/14

Julio Cascante | Signed from Portland Timbers in 2021 | Fee: $250,000

6/14

Nick Lima | Signed from San Jose Earthquakes in 2021 | Fee: $500,000

7/14

Alexander Ring | Signed from New York City FC in 2021 | Fee: $1.25m

8/14

Jhojan Valencia | Signed from Deportivo Cali in 2022 | Fee: $1.5m

9/14

Moussa Djitté | Signed from Grenoble in 2021 | Fee: $1.65m

10/14

Cecilio Domínguez | Signed from Independiente in 2020 | Fee: $2.5m

11/14

Tomás Pochettino | Signed from CA Talleres in 2021 | Fee: $2.5m

12/14

Rodney Redes | Signed from Guaraní in 2020 | Fee: $2.75m

13/14

Sebastián Driussi | Signed from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2021 | Fee: $7m

14/14

At Austin FC Driussi is the third Designated Player after Tomás Pochettino and Cecilio Domínguez. At the same time, he is by far Austin's most expensive purchase, ahead of Rodney Redes ($2.75m) and his two DP colleagues (both $2.5m). For the upcoming match against the Colorado Rapids, Driussi is not yet an option due to the current MLS protocols for players coming from abroad.