Austin FC Opens Talks with Fortaleza to Sign Brazilian Midfielder

Austin FC has set its sights on one of Brazil's most promising defensive midfielders—Hércules from Fortaleza. At just 23 years old, this guy from Piauí has caught the eye of several clubs, but Austin’s trying to get ahead of the pack. The Texas team seems dead set on sealing the deal before the 2025 transfer window opens and those European giants start making their move. If this transfer goes through, it could be a game-changer for both Austin FC and Hércules.

Let me tell you how it all started. Based on what I’ve gathered for MLS Multiplex, Austin FC has already opened discussions with Fortaleza and is aiming to secure Hércules before anyone else gets the chance. And trust me, they’ve got a good reason for this. The kid’s not just talented—he’s already been on the radar of European teams and even Flamengo. Austin FC isn’t about to let this chance slip away.

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But can Austin FC convince Fortaleza to let go of their prized midfielder? We’re not talking about just any player here. Hércules has played 156 matches for Fortaleza, scored 16 goals, assisted on 8, and helped the team win four major trophies. Fortaleza knows they’ve got a gem on their hands, and selling now, without the right price, would be like handing over gold for free.

Of course, Fortaleza isn’t blind to what’s going on. The fact that they’ve opened negotiations with Austin FC shows they’re open to hearing serious offers. In Brazilian soccer, selling players is one of the few real ways to generate revenue, and no one’s immune to that reality. So yeah, Fortaleza would sell Hércules, but only if the price is right. Something around 10 million euros, which is his release clause, would do the trick.

But don’t think Austin FC is the only player in this silent auction. The kid has already grabbed the attention of clubs like Lecce in Italy, Spartak Moscow in Russia, and Le Havre in France. And in Brazil, Flamengo had its eyes on him too, though, for some reason, they never pulled the trigger on a deal.

Here’s where things get interesting: Austin FC’s got a secret weapon. Rodolfo Borrell, their current sporting director, worked directly with none other than Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Borrell knows talent when he sees it, and his track record proves it. The guy’s no fool. He knows that if Austin can close this deal now, they’ll be getting a future MLS star before the Europeans come knocking. It’s like striking gold before the other prospectors even show up.

But it’s not just Austin FC feeling the urgency here. Hércules and his team see MLS as a unique opportunity. The league’s constantly growing and catching the eyes of European scouts. MLS isn’t that “retirement home” league anymore. Far from it! It’s become a breeding ground for young talents who shine here before heading to Europe full steam ahead. For Hércules, being part of this wave could be a strategic leap. He knows he’s got the potential for more, and MLS might just be the perfect springboard for that jump.

If I were Austin FC, I’d speed things up on this deal ASAP. Not only to avoid the fierce competition that’s bound to come in December and January, but also because chances like this don’t pop up every day. Hércules is young, versatile, and has the potential to be one of MLS’s breakout stars if the transfer happens. The only question left is whether Austin’s willing to pay what Fortaleza wants—or if a European club is gonna swoop in last-minute with an offer they can’t refuse.

If Austin FC is serious about pulling off this masterstroke and securing Hércules for 2025, they’ll need a fat check and a solid plan. And if this transfer goes down, I’ve got no doubt we’ll be hearing a lot about this young Brazilian on American soil in the years to come.