Dynamic Young Forward Rodney Redes is 1st Signing For MLS Expansion Team
In a Zoom Digitial Press Conference this morning, July 6, 2020, Austin FC Announced their First Player Signing: 20-year Old Paraguayan Winger Acquired by Austin FC via Transfer from Club Guaraní;
AUSTIN FC‘s Sporting Director Claudio Reyna and Head Coach Josh Wolff announce the first player signing 20-year-old Paraguayan forward Rodney Redes, Primera división forward, and 2020 Copa Libertadores goal scorer.
Looking to bring attacking prowess to Austin FC starting January 2021, this young player has impressed both Reyna and Wolff with creating opportunities and making an impact on the field. Joining officially in January, Wolff and Reyna were impressed with Redes’ body of work and how he finds ways to be impactful on the field.
According to ESPN, the transfer fee was $2.75 million.
“Today is a day to celebrate.”
Claudio Reyna, Sporting Director Austin FC
“Rodney is a dynamic, attacking player, and we are proud to welcome him as the first signing in the history of Austin FC,” commented Claudio Reyna, Austin FC Sporting Director. “Rodney is precisely the sort of player we intend to attract to Austin FC. At a very young age, he has already registered strong performances and collected valuable big-game experience.”
“It is an honor to join Austin FC as the first player signing in club history, and I am excited for the opportunity to advance my career in Major League Soccer,” said Rodney Redes. “I look forward to representing Austin in competition and in the community.
“The words I use to best describe Rodney are versatility and impactfulness,” added Austin FC Head Coach Josh Wolff. “He is a young, hungry player. Redes is a focused young man who plays with real commitment and passion.”
“He is not a finished product and we take the responsibility seriously.”
“He is serious. His engagement is very real. He is very committed to his craft. Very humble and hungry. The potential for him to grow and have a long career in the MLS is what we hope.”
Josh Wolff, Head Coach Austin FC
Described as having a kid-like smile by his head coach, Redes (pronounced “Rreh-dess”) was born in La Colmena, Paraguay on February 22nd, 2000.
“He is a player who can create chances,” said Reyna. “Rodney can play as a second forward, as a #9 if we need him to — he can adjust and this is a good quality to have a player,” said Reyna.
Looking at the personality that someone brings to the locker room, Reyna believes that while the team needs specific profiles, it is important that they add the right experience to the squad and will be adding players with more experience in future signings.
Redes joined Club Guaraní in 2018 after signing his first professional contract at the age of 18. In 2020, Redes has played six (6) of Club Guaraní’s seven (7) Primera División matches and has scored two (2) goals to date. Additionally, Redes has played eight (8) Copa Libertadores matches for Club Guaraní, scoring three (3) goals. Club Guaraní successfully qualified for the group stage of the 2020 Copa Libertadores.
Looking to build a well-balanced team, Reyna says “That will be our challenge as an expansion team.”
“I’ve been watching Major League Soccer closely, and I am very excited to begin working with Coach Wolff to further develop my skills in a global league that has helped other Paraguayan players reach new heights,” said Redes.
“Rodney is a young player with qualities that can strongly influence any match as a result of his positional flexibility, eye for goal, and clear finishing quality,” said Wolff. “I am very pleased that we have secured a rising talent who demonstrates goal scoring ability in both the Copa Libertadores as well as his domestic league, and I believe that our supporters will appreciate his hunger and willingness to make Austin FC successful.”
Why is he the ideal signing? According to both Reyna and Wolff, Redes is a player that fits really well with what they envision this team.
“This is a very proud moment for the Club and the community,” commented Anthony Precourt, majority owner and CEO of Austin FC. “Rodney is a dynamic, young player who is eager to come to Austin, score goals, and develop within the system that Claudio and Josh intend to create in our inaugural season.”
Rodney Redes is the first player in Austin FC’s history to sign a first-team contract with the Club.
