Austin FC announced on Friday that Manuel Junco has been appointed as the club's chief scout, joining the 27th club in MLS from his most recent role as sporting and technical director at Polish stalwarts Wisla Krakow.
Junco previously served as the top scout for Columbus Crew SC and now US national team manager Gregg Berhalter from 2013-2016. Prior to his Crew tenure, he worked at Liverpool as an Eastern European scout under manager Rafa Benitez.
Junco will remain based in Poland as he conducts his new role under another name familiar to USMNT fans, Austin sporting director Claudio Reyna.
“I am very excited and happy to be able to be part of Austin FC, a Club that is putting in place the foundations for success in the wonderful city of Austin,” Junco said in a statement. “It is a unique, incredible project and it is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to work and learn under the direction and leadership of Claudio Reyna and Josh Wolff. They are two top professionals of the highest level, whom I admire and respect.”
Under Junco’s leadership, Wisla Krakow qualified for Ekstraklasa Championship play-offs each season during his tenure (2016-2018), while achieving a net positive balance on incoming / outgoing transfers for one of the leading clubs in Poland.
“Manuel is another significant appointment for Austin FC,” Reyna said in a statement. “He has an excellent track record, from what he achieved with Liverpool, how he has helped Wisla Krakow achieve sustained success in Poland, and with Columbus Crew SC. Manuel will lead the identification and evaluation of players around the world, bringing the right players to Austin FC who will fit not only how we want to play, but those who want to be part of what we are building in Austin.”
