If at first you don’t succeed, buy, buy again. It’s the Austin FC way – at least as it’s pertained to big money “designated player” signings through the club’s six years in service.
On Friday, ATXFC announced its latest splash acquisition: Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres, signed from Brazilian heavyweights Palmeiras in exchange for a reported $9.5 million transfer fee. The 25-year-old’s deal with Austin is guaranteed through the 2029-30 season, with an option for 2030-31.
Torres is a proven MLS goalscorer. From 2022 to 2024, he starred for Orlando City SC, netting 47 goals and chipping in 25 assists in 123 games across all competitions, headlined by a 20-goal campaign in 2024. During that time, Torres became a U.S. Permanent Resident with a Green Card, exempting him from occupying an international roster spot with Austin.
In January 2025, Torres joined Palmeiras for a $14 million fee and went on to make a staggering 61 appearances for the club across 12 months and five competitions. He managed just 10 goals and six assists for the season, though, as his goal contributions (goals plus assists) per 90 minutes fell from 0.65 with Orlando to .40 with Palmeiras.
In addition, Torres has appeared 22 times for the Uruguayan senior national team, scoring twice.
Torres slots in as a natural replacement – and theoretical upgrade – for former Austin FC DP winger Osman Bukari, whom the club transferred to Polish club Widzew Łódź for a reported $6.5 million in December. To date, only Sebastián Driussi has lasted more than two seasons as an Austin FC DP.
“Facundo has proven attacking quality as shown by his stellar goal and assist numbers throughout his career,” Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell said via a club statement. “He is at a prime age to join us and immediately be a top contributor as we aim to push on this season.”
Torres joins Austin’s other two DP’s, Myrto Uzuni and Brandon Vázquez, to comprise what would be – on paper, and when healthy – the most talented attacking front three in the club’s history. However, the trio is also drenched in uncertainty as Vázquez works his way back from knee surgery, Uzuni attempts to rebound from a disappointing debut campaign, and Torres acclimates to a new club.
“I couldn’t be happier to be an Austin FC player,” Torres said via a statement. “The ambition behind what the club is building and the incredible soccer community there were both big factors in convincing me that this was the right move to make.”
Torres represents Austin’s fourth new player addition of the offseason, joining defenders Jon Bell and Joseph Rosales, as well as forward Jayden Nelson.
Austin FC kicks off its 2026 season February 21 against Minnesota United at Q2 Stadium.
For more Austin FC news and analysis, visit The Austin Chronicle’s Austin FC hub. Sign up for The Verde Report newsletter to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox, and follow The Verde Report columnist Eric Goodman on X: @goodman.