SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed Senegalese midfielder Ates Diouf ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the signing is pending league and federation approval.

“We are delighted to add Ates to the SAFC community,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “He is a young talent who is a versatile midfielder. Ates is convincing off the dribble, has the capacity to cover significant ground, and is committed to aggressive pressing actions. He is a fantastic person and a good team culture fit.”

Diouf joins SAFC after spending the last two seasons with Austin Bold FC in the USL Championship. The 21-year-old was a consistent contributor to Bold FC during his time with the club, including a 2021 campaign where he appeared in 25 matches (1,635 minutes) while recording four assists, 28 successful dribbles and 25 key passes. Overall in his time with Austin, Diouf appeared in 38 matches, making 25 starts and compiling 2,295 minutes of action. The midfielder added five goals, five assists and 36 key passes with Austin.

Previously, Diouf spent the 2019 USL League One season with Orlando City B, playing 1,256 minutes over 17 appearances while recording one goal, one assist and 14 key passes. Prior to joining Orlando City B, Diouf moved to the United States from his home country of Senegal and joined the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy in Orlando.