Under 24 hours after securing Andrew Pannenberg in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft, Orlando City SC today announced the arrival of fellow goalkeeper Brandon Austin on a six-month loan from Tottenham.
The 22-year-old England and United States dual-national becomes Orlando City SC‘s first non-draft signing of the off-season. He joins City for six months with the option of an additional six months thereafter.
Brandon Austin‘s arrival is shrewd considering Brian Rowe is expected to be moving on from Exploria Stadium this off-season.
Austin is a highly rated up-and-coming deputy for Pedro Gallese in net, providing adequate cover when El Pulpo is away with Peru for international friendlies and competitive fixtures.
>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW BRANDON AUSTIN’S PLAYER PROFILE <<
NEW SIGNING 🚨 | Brandon Austin (@baustin__) joins @OrlandoCitySC on loan. 💜🦁💛
⚽️ GK
🗓 7 January 1999
🏴🇺🇸 England / USA
⬆️ 6 ft 2 in
🏴 @SpursOfficial ➡️ @OrlandoCitySC 🇺🇸
👕 Jersey # TBCVIEW PLAYER PROFILE 📕: https://t.co/C4K3IiOSbB#OCTwitter #OrlandoCity #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/y7qJfUez2w
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) January 22, 2021
Who is Brandon Austin?
Brandon Austin is a 22-year-old England and United States dual national goalkeeper arriving on loan from Tottenham.
Born in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, the stopper first received call-ups to Aidy Boothroyd’s England Under-21 international squad in October and November 2019.
More recently, he was named in the Young Lions’ squad for 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Andorra and Albania in November 2020.
Prior to joining England camps, Brandon Austin made one friendly appearance for the United States U-18 team against Slovakia U-18 in 2017.
Standing at 6 ft 2 in, Brandon Austin is right footed and has made 78 competitive appearances for Tottenham across all youth levels of their organisation.
Enjoying one previous loan spell in his senior career to date, this took place at Danish side Viborg FF in 2019/20 with Austin making 14 appearances for The Greens.
Brandon Austin also has experience of being an unused Premier League and UEFA Europa League substitute on several occasions, first under Mauricio Pochettino then José Mourinho.
The young stopper first made Tottenham’s matchday squad as an unused substitute against Watford in a 1-1 home draw back in October 2019.
The fans’ view
With #OCTwitter currently reacting to Brandon Austin‘s announcement as an Orlando City SC player, we gathered the best tweets following his arrival.
The fact that MLS doesn’t follow fifa breaks is why it’s needed. If it seems like he’s a good back up he will get decent playing time while Pedro is with Peru
— mike. (@mikeaspillane) January 22, 2021
Reaction when I support Orlando City and Arsenal pic.twitter.com/Im8fgbw0gN
— Brian (@ORLtragic) January 22, 2021
Rowe is not under contract and it seems like talks have broken down
— mike. (@mikeaspillane) January 22, 2021
Good luck Brandon ⚪️🐓
— Andres🦧 (@SabitzerProp) January 22, 2021
Great business. Have known of Austin and his dual nationality for a while now. I just hope nobody is coming in to poach Gallese. 🤞🏽
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) January 22, 2021
Pedro loves it here. And his wife and kids are happy, living in Orlando has done wonders for his marriage, only way I see him leave is for Europe, Pedro will be here for a while.
— The Legendary David Valentin (@Florida_man76) January 22, 2021
Welcome to Orlando, Brandon!
On behalf of Orlando City UK, we wish Brandon Austin the very best of luck as he embarks on his latest chapter in Central Florida.
You can follow the goalkeeper on his own personal Instagram and Twitter accounts too.
We still await official confirmation regarding which jersey number Austin will wear at Orlando City SC.