In a landmark move signaling their lofty ambitions, Major League Soccer’s Austin FC have smashed their transfer record to bring in Albanian striker Myrto Uzuni as a new designated player. The reported $12.3 million fee paid to Spain’s Granada CF eclipses the club’s previous record signing and instantly makes Uzuni the face of the Texas franchise.
The 29-year-old forward arrives in Austin on the back of a prolific stint with Granada, where he notched an impressive 49 goals and 8 assists across 106 appearances. Uzuni’s scoring prowess was on full display this season as he found the net 14 times in just 18 league matches, marking him as one of the hottest attacking talents outside of Europe’s top leagues.
A Statement of Intent from Austin FC
By shattering their transfer record to land Uzuni, Austin FC are sending a resounding message about their determination to become a force in Major League Soccer. Majority owner Anthony Precourt and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell have spoken openly about elevating the club’s ambitions, and the acquisition of a player of Uzuni’s caliber serves as a definitive statement of intent.
“I can tell Austin fans that I will do everything in my power to score goals and help the team push toward achieving our objectives. I’m coming here to break records.”
– Myrto Uzuni on his ambitions with Austin FC
Uzuni’s words will be music to the ears of Austin supporters who have been yearning for a talismanic figure to spearhead their attack. The Albanian’s nose for goal, tireless work rate, and ability to both lead the line and operate in wide areas make him a potentially transformative addition to Josh Wolff’s squad.
A Well-Traveled and Seasoned Scorer
Despite being just 29, Uzuni brings a wealth of experience to Austin, having plied his trade in Albania, Croatia, Hungary, Spain, and on the international stage with Albania’s national team. His track record speaks for itself:
- 126 goals and 42 assists in 322 club appearances
- 5 goals and 7 assists in 38 caps for Albania
- Averaged over 1 goal contribution per game for Granada this season
Austin FC have a new designated player! 🙌
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 24, 2025
Albanian forward Myrto Uzuni joins from Granada in a record-breaking transfer for the club.@AustinFC pic.twitter.com/FxT8fBn1Ou
While MLS has seen its fair share of high-profile attacking signings in recent years, few have arrived with the consistent goal-scoring pedigree that Uzuni brings to the table. If the Albanian can translate his form from Europe to the US, Austin FC may well have secured the missing piece to turn them into genuine contenders.
The Prospect of an Uzuni-Led Attack
Austin FC faithful will be salivating at the thought of Uzuni spearheading an attack that already features promising young talents like Danny Hoesen and Rodney Redes. The Albanian’s intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and ability to bring others into play could unlock new dimensions for Josh Wolff’s side.
Uzuni’s arrival also takes some of the scoring burden off the shoulders of designated player Cecilio Dominguez, allowing the Paraguayan more freedom to create and drift wide. If the two can develop a rapport, Austin FC suddenly have the look of a dynamic and multi-faceted attacking unit.
Raising the Bar in MLS
Austin FC’s swoop for Uzuni is not just significant for the Texas club, but for Major League Soccer as a whole. It demonstrates the league’s growing power to attract top talent in their prime years from competitive European leagues. Uzuni’s decision to trade the Spanish second division for MLS is a vote of confidence in the league’s upward trajectory.
As more and more clubs invest heavily in talent recruitment and facilities, the level of play in MLS continues to rise. High-caliber signings like Uzuni elevate the on-field product and generate excitement among fans, further boosting the league’s profile both domestically and internationally.
The Road Ahead for Austin FC
With Uzuni in the fold, expectations will be high for Austin FC heading into the new season. The pressure will be on head coach Josh Wolff to integrate his new star quickly and effectively, building a cohesive unit capable of challenging the Western Conference’s best.
For Uzuni, the move to Austin represents an opportunity to stamp his authority on a new league and write his name into the club’s history books. If he can live up to his brilliant track record, the Albanian hitman could prove the catalyst for an era of success in the Texas capital.
As Austin FC prepare to unveil their new record signing, a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation surrounds the club. Myrto Uzuni’s arrival marks the dawning of a new era, one in which Austin are determined to shed their expansion team status and announce themselves as a true force in Major League Soccer. The stage is set for Uzuni to take Austin to new heights.
