Transfer saga over 

Sebastián Driussi joins River Plate – Austin FC receive club record transfer fee

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The transfer saga is over. On Friday, Austin FC announced that they have sold Designated Player Sebastián Driussi to Argentine powerhouse River Plate. Transfermarkt understands that Austin FC will receive a club record transfer fee of $10m (€9.73m) for the 28-year-old forward (overview). The transfer is also the 15th biggest sale in Major League Soccer history. 

“Sebastián leaves Austin FC having made a tremendous impact on this Club during his three-and-a-half years here,” said Austin FC 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.” Austin FC signed Driussi for €6.4m from Russian club Zenit in what was a club record transfer at the time (overview).

Market Value

S. Driussi

Attacking Midfield

€6.00m

Without a doubt, Driussi had a significant impact on the club. The forward leaves Austin as the club’s all-time leading scorer, scoring 51 goals in 115 games across all competitions. But there was also a sense that Driussi’s story at Austin FC had been told. After scoring 22 goals in 34 games in 2022, the Argentine saw his goal productivity drop to 11 goals in 28 games in 2023 and then just seven goals in 27 games last season. As a result, Driussi’s market value dropped from a high €16m to just €6m. 

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Driussi to River Plate – What is next for Austin FC? 

Austin FC missed the playoffs two years in a row, and moving on from Driussi to rebuild the squad makes sense. Furthermore, Driussi wanted to return to Argentina and refused to report after the winter break, making a sale necessary. Driussi’s departure will now free up a DP spot for the Texas side. The club has already added Brandon Vazquez in a club-record transfer this summer. Austin FC are also in advanced talks to sign Albanian forward Myrto Uzuni from Granada in a deal worth $12m (€11.7m). Uzuni would be a new club record signing.