MIAMI (AFP) — American international striker Brandon Vazquez has returned to Major League Soccer (MLS) joining Austin FC from Mexican club Monterrey in a club record deal.

The 26-year-old has signed a four year contract with the Texas club and will be registered as a “Designated Player” who can be paid outside of the MLS salary cap.

Austin did not disclose the transfer fee but said it was a club record. Givemesport.com said the fee was in the region of $10 million.

Vazquez played the first seven years of his career in MLS, making his league debut with Atlanta United in 2017 and he was part of the MLS Cup winning team in 2018 and the US Open Cup title in 2019.

The target man then moved to FC Cincinnati ahead of the 2020 season where he produced 26 goals and 12 assists in 62 MLS regular season matches.

Cincinnati transferred the San Diego born Vazquez to Monterrey in January 2024 and he grabbed 14 goals in his year with the club.

“Austin FC is an organization with terrific fan support, with big plans for the future. I hope to make an immediate impact this season and help contribute to the success of the club for years to come,” the striker said in a club release.

Vazquez has scored four goals in 11 appearances for the USA national team.