Austin FC just made a move that could shake up the MLS landscape: they’ve signed Uruguayan star Facundo Torres as a Designated Player. But here’s where it gets controversial—after a stellar stint with Orlando City and a brief but impactful run at Palmeiras, is Torres the missing piece Austin needs to climb to the top? Let’s dive in.
In a bold transfer announced today, Austin FC secured the services of 25-year-old winger Facundo Torres from Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras. Torres, who will occupy both Senior and Designated Player roster slots, has inked a deal through the 2029-30 season, with an option for 2030-31. And this is the part most people miss—Torres already holds a U.S. Green Card, meaning he won’t take up an international roster spot, giving Austin even more flexibility.
Torres himself expressed his excitement, saying, ‘I couldn’t be happier to be an Austin FC player. The club’s ambition and the incredible soccer community were huge factors in my decision.’ But what exactly is he bringing to the table? For starters, Torres isn’t new to the MLS. During his three seasons with Orlando City (2022-2024), he racked up 47 goals and 25 assists in 123 games, setting club records for goal contributions (72), all-time goals (47), and goals in a single season (20). His two-goal performance in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Final led Orlando to their first-ever trophy—a moment that cemented his status as a game-changer.
After his MLS stint, Torres moved to Palmeiras in 2025, where he continued to shine with 10 goals and six assists in 61 matches. He also made his mark on the global stage, appearing in the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa Libertadores, helping Palmeiras reach the final. Here’s the kicker—while some might argue his move to Palmeiras was a step back, his ability to adapt and perform in a new league only highlights his versatility and potential impact at Austin.
Internationally, Torres has been a key figure for Uruguay, earning 22 caps and scoring twice, including a crucial goal against Uzbekistan last October. His experience in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Copa América games adds a layer of seasoned expertise to Austin’s squad.
Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell praised the signing, stating, ‘Facundo’s attacking quality is undeniable, as shown by his impressive goal and assist numbers. He’s at the perfect age to make an immediate impact as we push for success this season.’ But is that enough? With Austin’s current roster already boasting talent like Robert Taylor and Brandon Vazquez, how will Torres fit into the dynamic? That’s the million-dollar question.
Torres’ journey began at the academy of Uruguayan giant CA Peñarol, where he made his senior debut at just 20 years old. He played a pivotal role in their 2021 Uruguayan Primera División title, contributing 16 goals and 15 assists in two seasons. Now, as he joins Austin’s roster of 26 players, the question remains: Can he replicate that success in Texas?
What do you think? Is Facundo Torres the signing Austin FC needs to dominate the MLS, or is this move overhyped? Let us know in the comments below!
Player Details:
- Name: Facundo Torres
- Position: Winger/Attacker
- Height: 5’10”
- Date of Birth: April 13, 2000
- Age: 25
- Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Last Club: Palmeiras
- How Acquired: Transfer from Palmeiras
- Roster Designations: Senior, Designated Player
Current Austin FC Roster (26):
- Goalkeepers (2): Damian Las, Brad Stuver
- Defenders (10): Jon Bell, Guilherme Biro, Mikkel Desler, Mateja Djordjević, Jon Gallagher, Brendan Hines-Ike, Žan Kolmanič, Joseph Rosales, Oleksandr Svatok, Riley Thomas
- Midfielders (7): Micah Burton, Nico Dubersarsky, Dani Pereira, Besard Sabovic, Ilie Sánchez, Ervin Torres, Owen Wolff
- Forwards/Wingers (7): CJ Fodrey, Jayden Nelson, Jáder Obrian, Robert Taylor, Facundo Torres, Myrto Uzuni, Brandon Vazquez
