Claudio Reyna will try his luck and skill with another expansion team. (Noah K. Murray – USA TODAY)
Claudio Reyna, an original member of the New York City FC front office as sporting director, reportedly is taking a similar position with the expansion Austin FC.
The Athletic and the Austin Statesmen reported that the former U.S. national team captain was leaving the five-year-old team.
An announcement of Reyna’s hiring is expected to be made Thursday morning.
An Austin FC told the Statesmen: “It is extremely flattering for our Club to be linked with an experienced executive with the stature and global experience of Claudio Reyna.”
Reyna’s responsibilities at Austin FC, which will begin play in Major League Soccer in 2021, will include building a player roster and overseeing soccer operations, including a youth academy, according to the Statesmen. He will report to majority owner and CEO Anthony Precourt.
The lone remaining member of NYCFC’s sporting department when it was created in 2013, the 46-year-old Reyna made 112 appearances for the U.S. national team from 1994-2002, recording eight goals. He played in three World Cups.
NYCFC is in the midst of a major turnover in its sporting department.
Earlier this month, head coach Dome Torrent left the team by mutual agreement. He took the entire coaching staff with him.