Jan 7 Austin FC Break The Bank For U.S. International Brandon Vazquez & Sign MLS Veteran Ilie Sanchez | OneFootball

Austin FC have made two key signings as they head into the new Nico Estevez era of their club. Austin FC have broken their transfer record spend on new Designated Player striker Brandon Vazquez. The 26 year old U.S. international comes over from CF Monterrey in Liga MX for a reported $10m fee (Bogert). The former MLS Best XI striker departed FC Cincinnati after the 2023 MLS season for a chance with the Liga MX giants. This season in the Liga MX Apertura, Vazquez has 4 goals and 1 assist in about 700 minutes played. In his 216 career games between FC Cincinnati, CF Monterrey, Atlanta United, and Club Tijuana he has 66 career goals and 20 assists. With questions circulating whether or not Sebastian Driussi will be part of this team in 2025, Austin FC are going to need a lethal goal scorer and Vazquez has been a proven one in now two leagues.

Along with a new DP attacker, Austin has added another veteran MLSer to join for 2025. Austin FC have signed free agent defensive midfielder Ilie Sanchez. Ilie has played his last few seasons with LAFC where he won a MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, as well as his second U.S. Open Cup. He won another Open Cup previously with Sporting Kansas City. At 34 years old, I think we’ve started to see Ilie a step slower year after year, BUT, in the right set up I think he can still be at the top of MLS. I truly do believe this set up in Austin is one that can allow him to thrive as he has some talented young midfield partners with him. Ilie is going to be a rotational starter along with Venezuelan international Dani Pereira and Owen Wolff. He’s a proven winner and someone who will be able to facilitate some key passes from the lower midfield block. Two signings won’t completely change this club’s 2025 hopes, but these are the types of moves that feel like they could be key in 12-18 months time.