MLS Austin FC

Austin FC Signs Finnish International Defender Leo Väisänen

January 4, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Austin FC News Release


Austin, TEXAS - Austin FC announced today the Club reached an agreement with Swedish club IF Elfsborg for the transfer of defender Leo Väisänen. Väisänen joins the Verde & Black on a four-year contract through the end of the 2026 season, with a Club option for the 2027 season. The deal is pending the receipt of the player's P-1 Visa and ITC.

"Austin FC is exactly what I'm looking for in the next stage of my career," said Väisänen. "It's a club with big ambitions, in a great city with fantastic fan support. I want to thank Claudio and Josh for this opportunity, and I can't wait to play at Q2 Stadium for the first time."

Väisänen joins the Verde & Black after spending the last three (3) years with IF Elfsborg of Sweden's Allsvenskan. Väisänen made 94 appearances for Elfsborg, recording four (4) goals and four (4) assists.

The 25-year-old center back, who stands at 6'2", has made 23 appearances for the Finland senior men's national team, including playing in seven (7) UEFA Nations League matches, six (6) FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and one (1) match at UEFA EURO 2020.

"We wish Leo a warm welcome to the Club and to the city of Austin," said Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. "His skill set is an excellent fit for our style of play, and his quality, leadership and international experience will all serve him well here in Austin."

As a young player, Väisänen spent time in the academy system of Finnish club HJK Helsinki, making his professional debut in 2016. Väisänen then played two (2) seasons each with RoPS, then of the Finnish Veikkausliiga, and FC Den Bosch of the Dutch Eerste Divisie before joining Elfsborg.

Transaction:Austin reaches an agreement with IF Elfsborg for the transfer of defender Leo Väisänen, who signed for four (4) guaranteed years through the 2026 season with a Club option for 2027.

Player Details:

Name: Leo Väisänen

Pronunciation: VY-sah-nen

Position: Defender

Height: 6'2"

Date of Birth: July 23, 1997

Age: 25

Born: Helsinki, Finland

Nationality: Finland

Last club: IF Elfsborg

How acquired: Transferred from IF Elfsborg on January 4, 2023.

Roster Designation: Senior, International

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