Austin FC has announced the acquisition of Honduran international defender/midfielder Joseph Rosales from Minnesota United FC via a cash-for-player trade in exchange for $1,500,000.
Minnesota may also retain a percentage of a future trade or transfer fee if the player is traded or sold above a certain monetary amount.
Rosales then signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Austin, guaranteed through June 2029 with an option for the 2029-30 season.
Rosales, 25, spent the last four seasons in Minnesota. A versatile player capable of playing as a left back, in wide midfield, or as a box-to-box midfielder, he made 128 appearances for the Loons across all competitions, recording five goals and 18 assists.
At the senior international level, Rosales has made 34 appearances for Honduras. He started all five of Honduras’ matches in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup as the team reached the semifinals, and featured in 9 of Honduras’ 10 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Prior to his time in MLS, Rosales began his professional career with CA Independiente in Panama, playing 34 matches and helping the club win Liga Panameña de Fútbol Clausura titles in 2019 and 2020.
Rosales will occupy a Senior roster slot on the Austin FC roster. He holds a U.S. Green Card and as a U.S. Permanent Resident does not occupy an international roster slot.