Austin FC announced today the Club reached an agreement to sign free agent defender Amro Tarek. Tarek joins the Verde & Black on a one-year guaranteed deal through the end of the 2023 season, with an option for the 2024 season.
"I’m excited by the opportunity to play for Austin FC and to help the team toward its goal of winning trophies this season," said Tarek. "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. I'm also very grateful to my former club, and for their understanding of my family situation and why this move made sense for me at this time. I look forward to getting started."
Tarek, 30-year-old defender who plays primarily as a center back, was born in Los Angeles but moved to Egypt at an early age. He holds citizenship in both countries, and will not occupy an international designation on Austin FC’s roster. Tarek has made two (2) appearances for the Egyptian senior men’s national team.
He spent the majority of his 12-year professional career so far with various clubs in Major League Soccer and the Egyptian Premier League, also making stops in Germany and Spain. After loan spells with Columbus Crew in 2016 and Orlando City SC in 2018, Tarek played from 2019 to 2021 with New York Red Bulls, making 45 MLS appearances in that span.
“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 Interim Sporting Director Sean Rubio. “We wish him a warm welcome to the Club and to the city of Austin.”
Tarek returned to Egypt in 2021, playing one (1) season with El Gouna FC and moving to his most recent club, El Masry SC, in September 2022. His 110 career appearances in the Egyptian Premier League also include previous stints with El Gouna (2013-2015), ENPPI (2016-2017), and Wadi Degla (2017-2018).
Transaction: Austin FC reaches an agreement to sign free agent defender Amro Tarek, who signed for one (1) guaranteed year through the 2023 season with an option for 2024.
Player Details: Amro Tarek
Pronunciation: AHM-roh TAH-rek
Position: Defender
Height: 6’4”
Date of Birth: May 17, 1992
Age: 30
Born: Los Angeles, California, USA
Citizenship: Egypt, United States
Last club: El Masry SC
How acquired: Signed as a free agent on January 27, 2023.
Roster Designation: Senior
