TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signed
Austin FC have officially signed attacking midfielder Tomas Pochettino from Argentina's Atletico Talleres ahead of their inaugural MLS season, the club announced Thursday. The 25-year-old joins the expansion team as their second Designated Player.
"We are excited that he has chosen Austin as the next step in his career progression," Austin sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a release. "Tomas will be an extremely important player for Austin FC, and he will contribute significantly to the development of our attack as a creative threat. I know how excited Tomas is to arrive in Austin, and our club is looking forward to seeing his creativity translate well in MLS."
Pochettino's move to MLS comes after a number of reports linking him to the league's newest team, resulting in his first time playing outside of his native Argentina. He developed through the Boca Juniors academy and made his professional debut with the Buenos Aires giants in 2015. He spent two years with Defensa y Justicia on loan before joining Talleres in 2018 on loan, a transfer that was made permanent in 2019.
“I am very happy and excited to wear Austin FC’s jersey this season and be part of their inaugural campaign in MLS, a league that has shown continuous growth throughout the years,” Pochettino said in a release. “I look forward to doing my best on the field and repaying all the trust the club has put in me.”
Added Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff: “Tomas is an exciting and attack-minded midfielder we have been monitoring for some time. He has the technical and tactical qualities we are looking for in a Designated Player. He will offer us pace and versatility in the midfield, and we are confident he will make an immediate impact on our attacking end.”
Pochettino follows forward Cecilio Dominguez as a Designated Player after the Paraguayan international signed for Austin in August. During his time with Talleres, Pochettino had seven goals and 10 assists in 62 matches.
