New York Red Bulls: Caden Clark close to joining RB Leipzig
By Anthony Rotz
Evil empire, rebellious disruptor, hipsters favorite team, there are many things you can call Red Bull and the array of teams they own. No matter how you view them, there is no denying the system they’ve built has become a factory for young talent.
RB Leipzig is set to benefit from this structure once again. Despite only seven appearances for New York Red Bulls, midfielder Caden Clark is reportedly expected to move to the Saxony based club in January 2022.
As Red Bull owns both organizations involved, this move was in the tea leaves for some time. Clark had trained with the Bundesliga club and promised a move to Germany before joining New York’s set-up.
The New York Red Bulls will miss Caden Clark
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
The hype around the 17-year old has been steadily building since his departure from the Barca Residency Academy in Arizona to join Red Bulls. In 12 appearances for their USL affiliate, Clark registered three goals and five assists, prompting a senior team call-up.
Before New York could bring him into the first-team fold, Red Bull had to send $75,000 Allocation Money to Minnesota United who held his rights. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or on the right, the Minnesota native possesses excellent dribbling, positioning, and vision.
In his debut, positioning was evident when the teenager flashed his long shot ability in the 47th minute, scoring against Atlanta United. In total, he would notch three goals across the season, including one in the playoffs vs. eventual champions, Columbus Crew.
Clark will join fellow American and New York Red Bull alumni Tyler Adams in Leipzig. Adams was purchased in 2018 for $3M. The Athletic reports that the Clark sale will be in the same region, $2-3M. Clark will be the third young American to solidify his future in Europe this month following Brendan Aaronson’s move to RB Salzburg and FC Dallas’ Bryan Reynolds moving to AS Roma following a broken Juventus deal.
Jordan Morris loan to Swansea City is another exciting move. light. Must Read
Considering the midfielder’s age, Leipzig’s squad, and connections with Salzburg, it wouldn’t be crazy to think we could see Aaronson and Clark together if a loan move is worked out. Add Caden Clark to the growing list of MLS exports, and make sure to enjoy the teenage phenom stateside while you still can.