TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer
Austin FC have transferred star midfielder Sebastián Driussi to Argentine powerhouse River Plate, the club announced Friday.
The 28-year-old Argentine returns to his boyhood club for reportedly a near-$10 million fee, opening a Designated Player roster spot for the Verde & Black. Their two remaining DPs are striker Brandon Vazquez and winger Osman Bukari.
Austin's marquee player upon his July 2021 arrival from Russia's Zenit St. Petersburg, Driussi scored a club-record 51 goals in 115 all-competition appearances. He enjoyed a career year in 2022, producing 22g/7a while leading Austin to the Western Conference Final and finishing as the Landon Donovan MLS MVP runner-up.
"Sebastián leaves Austin FC having made a tremendous impact on this club during his three-and-a-half years here," said sporting director Rodolfo Borrell. "We wish him and his family nothing but the best as they return to Argentina. He will always be welcomed with open arms in Austin."
End of an era
Driussi was the last remaining DP from Austin's 2021 expansion season, the club's biggest star during their MLS infancy. However, his final-third production decreased in recent years, with the Verde & Black missing the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs the past two seasons.
Driussi exits three-plus months after Austin parted ways with head coach Josh Wolff, who was replaced by former FC Dallas manager Nico Estévez.
Austin's 2025 campaign begins on Feb. 22 at home against Sporting Kansas City (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
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