AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC keeps tacking on years to the contract of a “unique” defender.
The club announced Thursday a 1-year contract extension for fullback Žan Kolmanič. He played mostly as a reserve in 2024 after a knee injury ended his 2023 season early, but sporting director Rodolfo Borrell said he’s an important piece to Verde and Black’s backline.
“We feel that Žan provides us a unique profile of fullback when compared with the others we’ve got,” Borrell said. “We’re happy to have him under contract here for the next couple of seasons.”
After receiving a contract extension at the end of last season for a year, he’s under contract through the 2026 season with a team option for 2027. Due to his age, Kolmanič, 24, is no longer eligible for a U22 Initiative roster designation.
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Kolmanič came to Austin in the club’s first season in 2021 on loan from Slovenian side NK Maribor before permanently joining the next season. He’s played 73 appearances in Major League Soccer with nine assists, two coming on the last day of the 2024 regular season to help Austin come from behind and defeat Colorado 3-2. He came on as a substitute in the 72nd minute to set up two stoppage-time goals by Ethan Finlay and Brandon Hines-Ike to clinch the season-ending victory. He was named the Man of the Match for his efforts.
Kolmanič said he’s “eager to be a part of what we are building here.”
According to data from the MLS Players Association, Kolmanič made $350,000 last season.
Verde and Black signs midfielder Besard Sabovic
On Tuesday, Austin FC announced the free-agent signing of Swedish midfielder Besard Sabovic. He last played for the Swedish side Djurgårdens IF and helped them with a league championship in 2019.
Sabovic is under contract through the 2027 season with a team option for 2028. He’s played his entire career in Europe, mostly in Sweden with time spent in Russia and Turkey, and he said he’s ready to make the jump to MLS.
“Moving to the United States and joining Austin FC is the exact challenge I am looking for,” he 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.”
He’s a dual citizen of Sweden and North Macedonia and will occupy an international spot on Austin FC’s roster. To gain Sabovic’s discovery rights and sign him, Austin had to trade $50,000 in general allocation money to New York City FC.
Austin is at a Florida preseason training camp with an upcoming match Friday against the USL Championship’s Charleston Battery.
