TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Austin FC have continued building their roster ahead of their inaugural MLS season in 2021, announcing the signing of forward Kekuta Manneh on Friday.
A seven-year MLS veteran, Manneh arrives in Austin after spending the second half of the 2020 season with the New England Revolution, where he had one goal and one assist in six appearances (two starts). His contract option was declined by the Revs at the end of the season.
“We would like to welcome Kekuta to our growing roster,” Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said in a team release. “He is coming home to Austin. He brings with him strong MLS experience, adding depth and knowledge of our League, and we look forward to having him join his teammates and coaching staff very soon.”
“I am excited to join Austin FC and can’t wait to give everything I have for the Club and for this city,” added Manneh. “This city gave me everything when I first arrived in this country,
and I cannot wait to come back.”
For Manneh, who began his career in his native Gambia, the move to Austin represents something of a homecoming. Manneh played for the Austin Aztex in the USL in 2012 before beginning his MLS career the following year with the Vancouver Whitecaps. The 26-year-old scored 22 goals in 101 appearances for the Whitecaps. After short stints with the Columbus Crew, Liga MX's Pachuca and Swiss side St. Gallen, he joined Cincinnati for their inaugural season in 2019.
In total, Manneh has 31 goals and 19 assists across 155 MLS appearances (89 starts).
Austin, who selected five players in Thursday's MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas, now have 18 players under contract ahead of their MLS debut.
