SUMMER SHOPPING 2024

The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell will attempt to bring in reinforcements to strengthen the squad for a playoff push. Suppose the performances of Obrian, Biro, Hines-Ike, and Rubio are any indication of his eye for talent. In that case, the fans will have high expectations for the next opportunity to bring in fresh blood.

The question now is, what kind of players can Austin fans anticipate making the trip to the heart of Texas? I invite anyone to dare to dream with ambition and confidence about the players a team such as Austin FC can attract. Fans have been told that there are players "we wouldn't believe" that want to come, so let's progress with that mindset. I just believe that Borrell has already mapped out the strategy and will be aware of what mechanisms to utilize to bring the players we need and want to our city.

With that said, I scanned the big five leagues in Europe and came away with ten players for an Austin summer transfer shortlist. Some are budget-friendly, some are very much DP's, and others will take some finesse to land their signature. Who knows, two or three of these guys might be wearing a Dillo jersey soon. I look forward to finding out!

First Stop: England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Jack Harrison

His contract is with Leeds, but he's currently on loan with Everton. Harrison is very familiar with MLS, as he was the number one pick in the 2016 Draft, so he wouldn't need much time to adjust to the league, only to Austin's play style as a winger.

Miggy Almiron

Also a league vet and MLS Cup champion, Newcastle winger Almiron would easily be a DP for Austin. Teams bring back former players regularly (just ask RSL), so why not Verde? Just imagine Almiron and Driussi bombing up the field together. I would fear no team with those two together.

Second Stop: La France 🇫🇷

Jonathan David

Canadian international and French league champ. Austin has yet to have a striker that can fill the net with regularity. This player could handle the job. DP money is probably required for the Lille forward, but maybe GAM or TAM could step in.

Tom Louchet

This guy screams typical MLS'er to me. Very budget-friendly, serviceable, young (21), and versatile (plays midfield and defense), Tom fits the Austin FC player template like a glove. His contract with Nice ends in June, so if they don't renew, we could add a young starter or high-potential depth piece to the roster.

Third Stop: Deutschland 🇩🇪

Takuma Asano

This is a fast, 29-year-old Japanese international striker with World Cup experience. Japan topped their group in 2022, upsetting Germany along the way. This player scored the winning goal in that game. Currently with VfL Bochum, Asano's contract has not yet been renewed, and he is affordable.

Jordan (Siebatchu) Pefok

USA international striker that belongs to Union Berlin, but is on loan with Borussia Monchengladbach. If Mr. Precourt favors US players, this one is gettable for Austin. Borrell would need to help Jordan cut ties with Union Berlin, but MLS history says that has successfully been done numerous times.

Fourth Stop: Italia 🇮🇹

Romelu Lukaku

Why not? Really, why not? The dude would beast MLS defenders. DP money, of course, and some arrangements with Chelsea would need to be made while he's still on loan at Roma. I don't want to hear any of this "We're not LA, NY, ATL" etc. Austin is a great place to be. You have not, because you ask not. He's 30, but for two or three years, he's solid enough. As long as Austin has the mids to give him service, Lukaku would be a baller for us.

Renato Sanchez

Portuguese winger in his mid-20s that is under contract with PSG, but is on loan at Roma. He's played for some very well-known clubs and would be a DP in Austin without a doubt. <* I promise I looked at more teams than just Roma, but I really like both of my shortlist picks and for the ambitious front office and technical staff, we could sign one of these guys for a few seasons *> Austin would need to make it worth his while to bring Sanchez stateside.

Fifth Stop: España 🇪🇸

Iker Muniain

This man played 15 years as a forward and winger with Athletic Bilbao, so it seemed like he would retire there. Apparently, he's chosen not to stay, and there are rumors he wants to come to America. I imagine he would want DP money, but the 31-year-old Spanish international only appeared in a little over half the league games available. Maybe TAM and GAM might factor in, but Muniain is there to be had.

Selim Amallah

Morocco is on the rise, getting to the semifinals of the most recent World Cup. Selim was on that squad and is a regular starter for loan club Valencia, though his contract is with Valladolid. He's a gettable, budget-friendly midfielder that could challenge for a starting role immediately, or be a strong depth piece off the bench.

Written By: JC

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