Austin FC signed Ecuadorian winger Washington Corozo to a 6-month loan agreement, with a purchase option, just as the summer MLS transfer window opens.
The 23-year-old left winger will occupy a senior international spot on the Verde and Black roster.
According to sources close to the deal, Washington turned down Brazilian club Flamengo in order to join El Tree.
At the age of 17, Corozo made his professional debut with Independiente del Valle. He tallied 53 appearances, where he was part of the Copa Sudamericana title in 2019.
In January 2020, the Ecuadorian attacker joined Peruvian side Sporting Cristal in Liga 1 on a four-year deal. It was there Corozo became a regular starter. Washington went on loan to Liga MX’s Pumas UNAM in June 2021.
He marked his debut for the Ecuador men’s national team in September 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but the deal with no transfer fee gives ATXFC an impactful player signing without hitting the TAM budget.
Transfermrkt values Corozo at about $830K if a permanent transfer were to go through.
Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna praised Corozo’s speed in wide areas as a primary factor in his signing.
“We look at every transfer window as an opportunity to improve the squad, and feel that Washington’s dynamic skill set and speed in wide areas will do just that.”
Claudio Reyna
July 6, 2022
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What does Austin FC get with Washington Corozo?
Austin is desperate to get someone in the left wing position where Diego Fagundez has been filling in for an absent Cecilio Dominguez. Adding Corozo could set off a series of changes to get players back into positions where they’re more comfortable playing, including moving Fagundez to the right wing and rotating Wolff into the middle.
Seen as underwhelming during his short stint in Liga MX, MLS could be a breath of fresh air for the Ecuadorian winger. Washington also comes into a club that’s firing on all cylinders lately, so he shouldn’t feel immediate pressure wearing the Verde. With that said, fans know the summer months are a grind in MLS, and roster depth is vital for a playoff push.
Finally, it leaves little doubt now that Dominguez’s days are numbered in the capital city.
“I’ll give everything I have for Austin FC and can’t wait to step out under the lights at Q2 Stadium.”
— Washington Corozo
Washington Corozo Player Bio
Full Name: Washington Bryan Corozo Becerra
HT: 5-11
DOB: July 9, 1998
Birthplace: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Instagram: @washingtoncorozo11
Washington Corozo Career Club Stats
| CLUB | YEAR | MATCHES | GOALS |
| Independiente del Valle | 2015-2019 | 53 | 6 |
| Sporting Cristal | 2020- | 28 | 8 |
| UNAM (Loan) | 2021-2022 | 34 | 7 |
| TOTAL | 115 | 21 |