Austin FC announced the signing Monday of Norwegian defender Ruben Gabrielsen to a two-year contract with an option for the 2024 season.
Gabrielsen, 29, spent 2021 with Denmark’s FC Copenhagen, on loan from France’s Toulouse FC.
He began his career at Norway’s Lillestrom in 2009, becoming the youngest player ever to debut in that country’s top flight at 17 years and 25 days. Gabrielson moved to Molde FK in 2014 and won two Norwegian league titles there.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to join Austin FC and play at Q2 Stadium,” Gabrielsen said in a news release. “It’s an ambitious club, in a great city, with the best support in Major League Soccer. I can’t wait to contribute.”
Bringing club and international experience, veteran leadership and top-level ability, @galu1003 is #VERDE. Welcome to #AustinFC! ??
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) January 24, 2022
Gabrielson has made two appearances with Norway’s national team.
“Ruben is a natural leader and has all the physical attributes of a top-level center back in Major League Soccer,” Austin FC sporting director Claudio Reyna said. “We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Austin. He’ll be a great addition to the team.”
Austin also announced that defenders Zan Kolmanic and Jhohan Romana and forward Rodney Redes have obtained U.S. green cards and will no longer occupy international roster slots.
The team also agreed to trade a 2022 international roster slot to Inter Miami CF in exchange for $225,000 in general allocation money.
–Field Level Media