Austin FC has officially bolstered its attacking options for the second half of the Major League Soccer season, announcing the signing of free agent winger Przemysław Płacheta.
The 28-year-old Polish international joins the Verde and Black on a guaranteed contract running through the 2028-29 season, with a club option to extend the deal into 2029-30. Having already secured his P-1 visa, Płacheta is cleared to join full team training immediately as his contract officially took effect on July 1.
The move was secured well in advance; Płacheta agreed to terms with Austin FC back in March 2026, when he entered the final six months of his contract with English side Oxford United. He will be eligible to make his MLS debut on Wednesday, July 22, when Austin FC hosts the Seattle Sounders at Q2 Stadium following the league’s mid-summer break.
“I’m really excited to begin a new chapter of my career in Austin,” Płacheta said in a statement. “I can’t wait to make my debut and do everything I can to help the team make a push in the second half of the season. I also hope to use everything I learned during my six years in English football to help the team and make a positive impact in MLS.”
A Proven Track Record in England and Europe
Płacheta arrives in Texas bringing six years of experience across the top flights of English football. He moved to England in 2020 to join Norwich City FC, where he played a pivotal role in their 2020-21 campaign, making 26 appearances to help the club win the EFL Championship and earn promotion. The following year, he tested himself in the English Premier League, making 12 appearances.
Following subsequent stints with Birmingham City FC and Swansea City FC, the winger moved to Oxford United ahead of the 2024-25 season. During his two years with Oxford, he remained a productive attacking threat, tallying six goals and four assists.
On the international stage, Płacheta has earned seven caps for the Poland national team. His resume includes an appearance at UEFA Euro 2020 against Sweden and a crucial assist during a 2021 FIFA World Cup qualifier against San Marino.
Płacheta’s early career featured a three-year stint in the prestigious academy of Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. He made his professional debut in Germany with Sonnenhof Großaspach before returning to his native Poland in 2018, where he spent two and a half seasons developing his game with Pogon Siedlce, Podbeskidzie, and Slask Wroclaw.
Austin FC confirmed that Płacheta will take up both a Senior and an International slot on the club’s active roster.
Player Profile:
- Name: Przemysław Płacheta (Pronounced: psh-em-iss-waf pwa-heh-ta)
- Position: Winger
- Age: 28 (Born March 23, 1998)
- Height: 5’10”
- Nationality: Polish
- Roster Status: Senior / International