2021 Austin FC payroll jumps after big summer signing Sebastian Druissi

Austin FC’s third designated player signing, Sebastian Driussi, earns $2.69 million in guaranteed compensation, according to new salary figures from Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA).

Initially released in April 2021, MLSPA’s updated September 2021 salary drop includes juicy new data from summer signings, midseason loans, as well as MLS players who inked new contracts during the season.

Driussi’s salary easily tops all Austin FC players, including Cecilio Domínguez’s $1.73 million cash haul. Overall, the Argentine playmaker’s paycheck ranks 15th in the league, just behind Robert Beric (Chicago Fire) and Nico Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders).

The splash of cash this summer propelled Austin FC from 26th in MLS roster spending to a moderate 15th ranking, right behind Real Salt Lake. Comparing the Texas clubs, Austin’s total wage bill ($12.58m) surpasses both Dallas ($11.99m) and Houston ($11.15m).

September 2021 Player Salary Highlights (guaranteed $)

Austin FC added $3.47 million to its payroll since the start of the season, with the addition of these new players:

  • Sebastian Driussi (F)—$2,688,420
  • Moussa Djitte (F)—$500,000
  • Sebastian Berhalter (M)—$122,250
  • McKinze Gaines (F)—$84,125
  • Owen Wolff (M)—$76,600

Austin FC Player Salaries (by highest base $)

First NameLast NamePositionBase SalaryGuaranteed Compensation
SebastianDriussiF$2,571,420$2,688,420
CecilioDominguezM$1,530,000$1,736,000
AlexanderRingM$1,000,000$1,095,000
DannyHoesenF$650,000$716,667
MattBeslerD$650,000$650,000
TomasPochettinoM$582,447$642,447
MoussaDjitteF$500,000$500,000
JhohanRomanaD$420,000$420,000
DiegoFagundezM$400,000$400,000
RodneyRedesF$385,000$385,000
NickLimaD$350,000$350,000
JulioCascanteD$290,000$317,500
AndrewTarbellGK$275,000$283,333
UlisesSeguraM$240,000$269,125
BenSweatD$250,000$250,000
HectorJimenezM$250,000$250,000
ZanKolmanicD$225,000$225,000
AaronSchoenfeldF$210,000$210,000
BradStuverGK$150,000$160,000
BradyScottGK$115,000$121,236
SebastianBerhalterM$85,000$122,250
DannyPereiraM$81,375$99,793
McKinzeGainesF$81,375$84,125
JaredStroudM$81,375$81,375
KekutaMannehF$81,375$81,375
JonGallagherF$81,375$81,375
MannyPerezM$63,547$89,214
OwenWolffM$63,547$76,600
AedanStanleyD$63,547$63,547
WilliamPulisicGK$63,547$63,547
FreddyKleemanD$63,547$63,547
Total$11,853,477$12,576,476
Source: Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), Sept 30, 2021

For comparison purposes, the average guaranteed compensation of MLS players is $418,365. If curiosity gets the better of you, view the MLSPA compensation database of all 871 contracted players in Major League Soccer.

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