Austin FC confirmed on Monday that the club acquired Paraguay winger Cecilio Dominguez from Argentina side Independiente. Dominguez will join Austin on the Designated Player contract, becoming the team’s first DP signing.
Dominguez won’t join his new team just yet, as Austin FC will play its inaugural MLS season in 2021. Instead, the 25-year-old player is expected to remain in Argentina on a loan deal.
“Cecilio is the type of player we wanted for our first Designated Player signing. He’s a young but experienced, attacking international who joins us from one of the biggest clubs in South America,” said Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff in a statement. “His dynamic forward play will translate well to MLS.”
Dominguez joined Independiente from Club America last year, and played a total of 42 games for the club while contributing eight goals and six assists. He was a target for several high-profile clubs following good performances but ended up choosing to come to the United States.
“He chose Austin FC as opposed to staying in Argentina with the likes of Boca Juniors showing serious interest,” said Austin’s sporting director Claudio Reyna.
Cecilio Dominguez previously also played with several clubs from his native country, including Sol de America and Cerro Porteno. He is also Paraguay international, having played 11 games for the senior team since making his debut in 2014.
