MLS expansion club Austin FC announced forward Rodney Redes as their first official signing on Monday.

The 20-year-old Paraguay native will occupy one of the club's international roster spots for the inaugural season in 2021.

Redes will formally join the team in January 2021 on a transfer from Club Guarani in Paraguay's Primera Division.

"It is an honor to join Austin FC as the first player signing in club history, and I am excited for the opportunity to advance my career in Major League Soccer," Redes said in a statement. "I look forward to representing Austin in competition and in the community. I've been watching Major League Soccer closely, and I am very excited to begin working with Coach (Josh) Wolff to further develop my skills in a global league that has helped other Paraguayan players reach new heights."

Redes has scored two goals in six matches with Club Guarani in 2020.

"Rodney is a dynamic, attacking player, and we are proud to welcome him as the first signing in the history of Austin FC," said Austin FC sporting director Claudio Reyna. "Rodney is precisely the sort of player we intend to attract to Austin FC. At a very young age, he has already registered strong performances and collected valuable big-game experience in major competitions. I am pleased that we capitalized on this brief July transfer window to sign Rodney, and our staff looks forward to working closely with him."

Austin FC and Charlotte are joining the MLS in 2021, followed by Sacramento and St. Louis in 2022.

--Field Level Media