ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rowdies announced on Friday the club had signed local striker Endri Mustali to his first professional contract. Mustali will be available for selection in Saturday’s matchup against Loudoun United FC at Al Lang Stadium. 

“I’m delighted that Endri has decided to join us,” said Rowdies Head Coach Robbie Neilson. “He’s been in training with us for a number of weeks and we’ve been very impressed with his attitude and also his ability. He has potential to become a top player, so we’re delighted to get him in. He’s a young striker, so there’s still some development work to be done, but he’s got all the attributes to become a top-level striker.” 

Mustali was born in Verbania, Italy but moved to Florida before his second birthday. Growing up in Palm Harbor, Fla., he developed locally with Tampa Bay United during his youth career. Last December, Mustali earned an Honorable Mention in the All-Tournament Team for his performance with Tampa Bay United at the 2023 USL Academy Finals. 

“The progressive outlook the Rowdies have taken in signing Nate Worth, Cristian Ortiz and Endri Mustali this season further illustrates the professional pathway young, talented players are seeing at clubs in the USL Championship,” said USL Head of Global Football Development and Sporting Director Oliver Wyss. “We are excited to see Endri represent his hometown club as he enters an environment with the Rowdies that will offer him tremendous opportunities to fulfill his great potential.”

The additions of Mustali and Ortiz on professional contracts this year show the progress the Rowdies have made in bridging the gap between the club and the local academies in the region. 

“That’s vitally important, to be honest with you,” said Neilson. “We want to be a pathway for some of these players. Having spoken to some of the coaches at Florida Premier and Tampa Bay United, they are great setups. They’ve got great coaches and the young boys are getting great experience. We hope we can provide them that platform to go on to the pro game. There will definitely be more local young players we’ll be looking at.”