January 13, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Austin FC News Release
Austin, TEXAS – Austin FC announced on Thursday that the Club has reached an agreement with Colombian side Deportivo Cali for the transfer of midfielder Jhojan Valencia. Valencia, 25, joins the Verde & Black on a three-year contract with an option for the 2025 season after leading Deportivo Cali to the 2021 Liga BetPlay Dimayor Torneo Finalización (Colombian first division) title. Valencia will occupy an international spot on the Austin FC roster. Financial terms of the transfer were not disclosed in accordance with Club policy.
“I’m very excited to come to Austin,” said Valencia. “It’s such an amazing city, with great support for the Club and everything needed to compete for trophies. I want to thank Claudio and Josh for their support, and I look forward to all of the great moments ahead.”
A native of Cali, Colombia, Valencia made 73 appearances in all competitions for Deportivo Cali, registering one (1) goal and one (1) assist en route to two (2) Colombian First Division Titles – the first league championship coming in 2015 during his debut season with Cali and the second in 2021. In addition, the midfielder spent time on loan with Cúcuta Deportivo in 2017 and two (2) seasons on loan with Unión Magdalena in 2018 and 2019, helping Unión win promotion to the Colombian top flight for the 2019 season. In total, Valencia made 163 professional appearances in Colombia from 2015-2021.
“Jhojan is a young, talented midfielder with great defensive instincts and an eye for the ball,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “His presence will add a new dimension to our midfield and free up some of our more attack-minded players to get forward and create chances. We look forward to welcoming him to Austin.”
Transaction: Austin FC completes a transfer for midfielder Jhojan Valencia, who signed a three-year deal with the Verde & Black with a Club option for the 2025 season.
Player Details:
Name: Jhojan Valencia (pronounced “YO-hahn vah-LEN-sia”)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’8″
Date of birth: July 27, 1996
Age: 25
Born: Cali, Colombia
Nationality: Colombia
Last club: Deportivo Cali
How acquired: Signed as a transfer from Deportivo Cali on January 13, 2022.
Roster Designation: Senior, International
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