You might remember Amro Tarek from mock expansion drafts prior to Austin FC's debut season. Then, Tarek was seen as a potential building block for the Verde back line.
It took a while, but Austin FC called his name on Friday.
The club announced that the 30-year-old Egyptian center back, who has been playing for Egyptian teams the last two years, signed to a one-year deal with an option year in 2024.
Amro Tarek is VERDE. 🌳 pic.twitter.com/92eUwB8Gxs
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) January 27, 2023
“’I’m excited by the opportunity to play for Austin FC and to help the team towards its goal of winning trophies this season,” said Tarek via press release. “Everything I have seen about the club, from the fans and the facilities to the players and the coaching staff, has been first class, and I can’t wait to get started.”
“Amro is an athletic, left-footed center back who adds another option to our talented group of defenders as we prepare to compete in four different competitions during the 2023 season,” said Austin FC's Sean Rubio, in his first player announcement with the new title of Interim Sporting Director.
Prior to his move back to Egypt, Tarek made 45 appearances with the New York Red Bulls between 2019 and 2021, following loan stints with Columbus and Orlando.
Tarek, born in Los Angeles, moved to Egypt as a child and has dual citizenship; he will occupy a senior roster spot but not an international roster spot. Tarek also has two international caps for Egypt, adding to the growing group of Verde players who have seen FIFA-sanctioned action during their careers.