Austin FC complete signing of Emiliano Rigoni from Sao Paulo

Austin FC have completed the signing of winger Emiliano Rigoni from Brazilian giants Sao Paulo, the club announced Friday.

The Argentine winger arrives on a Designated Player (DP) contract through the 2024 MLS season, with club options for 2025 and 2026. Rigoni - a former teammate of fellow Austin FC DP Sebastian Driussi at Zenit - will officially join up with his new the club in the coming weeks upon receipt of his P1 visa.

“We’re very excited to welcome Emiliano and his family to Austin,” Austin FC sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a club press release. “He’s a winger with a lot of quality and experience competing in some of the top leagues around the world. His abilities are an excellent fit for our style of play.”

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Though Austin have not disclosed the figures behind the transfer, it's believed they paid in the region of $4m for Rigoni, who arrives in Texas following a 70-game spell with Sao Paulo, in which he scored 13 goals and provided nine assists.

Rigoni also counts the likes of Atalanta, Sampdoria, Elche, and Independiente among his former clubs.

“Austin FC is an ambitious Club and I’m excited to help the organization reach its goals this season and beyond,” said the 29-year-old. “I want to thank Claudio and Josh for this opportunity, and will give everything I have for this Club and this fanbase.”

After a great start to their second season in Major League Soccer, Austin currently sit second in the Western Conference, just four points behind overall leaders LAFC.

Up next for the Verde and Black is a trip to struggling Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.