Toulouse’s Mikkel Desler is challenged by PSG’s Bradley Barcola at the back during the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Sunday, May 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin FC made more roster moves Monday, signing Danish defender Mikkel Desler as a free agent.
Desler’s contract is good through the 2027 season with a team option for 2028, and with his experience with Toulouse FC in France’s Ligue 2, he could help the Verde and Black right away from the back.
“He is a complete professional who has a lot of experience competing at an elite level in Europe and he is sure to strengthen our options on the outside of defence,” said Austin FC sporting director Rodolfo Borrell.
Desler has played the last three seasons with Toulouse FC and helped them win promotion to Ligue 1, win the Coupe de France and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. He was named in the Ligue 2 team of the year in his first season with Toulouse in 2021–22 and he helped the team to a 3–2 win over Liverpool FC in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa League tournament.
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Desler is eligible to play once the secondary transfer window opens on July 18 for Major League Soccer.
“When I first spoke to Rodolfo and he explained the Austin FC project, I knew the chance to join the Club was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Desler. “I’m looking forward to going to Austin, meeting my teammates and fans and playing in Q2 Stadium for the first time.”
Desler is the second player Austin FC has signed before the July transfer window. The club signed winger Osman Bukari in a $7.5 million deal with Serbian Red Star Belgrade. Desler will occupy a high and international list.
