Austin FC announced the signing of Swedish midfielder Besard Sabovic to a three-year contract Tuesday.

The deal includes an option for 2028 for Sabovic, 27, who most recently played for Sweden’s Djurgarden.

His discovery rights were obtained from New York City FC for $50,000 in 2025 general allocation money.

“Besard is a player with a strong physical profile, quality, and experience playing in top divisions across Europe,” Austin sporting director Rodolfo Borrell said in a release. “He will be a solid addition to our squad in the coming seasons.”

Sabovic tallied 20 goals and 11 assists across 206 professional appearances in Sweden, Turkey and Russia from 2016-24.

“After playing my entire career in Europe thus far, moving to the United States and joining Austin FC is the exact challenge I am looking for,” Sabovic said. “I’m grateful to Rodolfo Borrell and the club’s ownership for their belief in me and can’t wait to meet my teammates and the supporters.”

Austin will begin the 2025 regular season on Feb. 22 at home against Sporting Kansas City.

–Field Level Media