WEDNESDAY, 2:30 PM ET: We didn't have to wait long to find out who that sporting director might be.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday afternoon that New York City FC sporting director Claudio Reyna will be leaving the club to join Austin in the same position.
An Austin FC spokesperson commented, “it is extremely flattering for our Club to be linked with an experienced executive with the stature and global experience of Claudio Reyna.”
The former USMNT captain has been at the helm of the Cityzens since the start, helping the club reach the playoffs in four of their five seasons. It was already going to be a transitional offseason for the club after seeing head coach Dome Torrent depart.
WEDNESDAY, 11 AM ET: Austin FC already have locked up Josh Wolff as their first head coach in club history, but could a sporting director be joining him soon?
That’s the latest buzz after majority owner and CEO Anthony Precourt tweeted on Tuesday that an announcement is coming from the expansion club, which is set to enter MLS in 2021.
As the sporting director and Wolff develop a relationship, it'll be geared towards assembling a roster that will one day play at a $242 million stadium that’s set to open in April 2021. That club also recently announced plans to build a $45 million training center, and their academy infrastructure has also launched under the guidance of former MLS defender Tyson Wahl.
Following Austin’s entry to MLS in 2021, St. Louis and Sacramento will both join in 2022.
