Austin FC Swings Big for Accomplished Winger Osman Bukari
Ghanaian winger becomes Austin FC’s club-record signing
By Eric Goodman, 2:50PM, Thu. May 30, 2024
Austin FC on Thursday announced the signing of Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari, confirming reports that the Verde and Black had tabbed the 25-year-old from Red Star Belgrade to replace Emiliano Rigoni as the club’s third designated player.
Bukari becomes Austin FC’s club-record signing, according to the Athletic’s Tom Bogert, who reports that ATXFC shelled out more than $7 million to acquire the pacey goalscorer. According to Transkfermarkt, it’s the 29th-largest transfer fee in MLS history.
ATXFC announced that it had signed Bukari to a DP contract through the 2027 season with an option for 2028. He’ll be eligible to join the Verde and Black when the MLS summer transfer window officially opens on July 18.
“I am very motivated and excited to join Austin FC. I want to do everything I can to help this team, this city, and this fanbase to achieve their goals,” Bukari said via a club press release.
Bukari’s goalscoring resume includes the biggest stages in the sport. He scored for Ghana against Portugal in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, then proceeded to mimic Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature celebration in front of the superstar.
This past season, Bukari appeared in all six UEFA Champions League group stage matches for Red Star, scoring two goals (including against Manchester City) and adding two assists.
Bukari notched 25 goals and 20 assists in 78 appearances in all competitions in his two seasons in Belgrade. The Accra native also has three goals in 17 appearances for Ghana’s national team.
As soon as he arrives in Austin, Bukari will join fellow ATX DP Sebastián Driussi as the two faces and attacking focal points of the club. He represents the first DP signing for Austin FC under the stewardship of sporting director Rodolfo Borrell, who has been aggressive in his overhaul of the club from an on and off-field perspective.
“Osman is a fast and technical winger with a proven ability to get goals and assists competing at some of the highest levels of club football,” Borrell said in a statement. “We’re confident he will make an immediate impact for us on the pitch when he arrives and we’re delighted to have him sign for Austin FC.”
The Verde and Black next take the pitch Saturday night in a road match against Western Conference leaders Real Salt Lake.
For more Austin FC news and analysis, visit The Austin Chronicle's Austin FC hub. Follow The Verde Report columnist Eric Goodman on X: @goodman.
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