Celtic FC’s Patryk Klimala on the move to New York Red Bulls

Patryk Klimala of Celtic FC is joining New York Red Bulls. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Patryk Klimala of Celtic FC is joining New York Red Bulls. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Celtic FC’s Patryk Klimala could be the icing on the cake for the New York Red Bulls following a very busy, if somewhat understated offseason for the club.

On Friday during his media availability, Celtic FC caretaker manager John Kennedy put it out in the open about Kilmala’s possible move to MLS and the New York Red Bulls. Kennedy was blunt about the transfer of the 22-year old striker out from Celtic FC, leaving no room for grassy knoll conspiracies.

That player is headed from Celtic Park to Red Bull Arena.

“Patryk is probably close to finalizing a deal to go there. It was an opportunity [that] came up for him,” said Kennedy (h/t Brian Lewis of the New York Post).

“For both parties, it was a good deal. I’ve got a good relationship with Patryk, I spent a lot of time with him, he’s a very hard working boy, wish him all the best. It will be finalized I imagine in the next few days.”

It is a not insignificant move for the player or the club.

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A league source confirmed to FanSided’s ‘MLS Multiplex’ that the Klimala deal is imminent however, it could be several weeks until the player arrives and joins the New York Red Bulls. There are the usual issues with getting an ITC as well as the player needing to go into quarantine upon arrival.

At Celtic FC, Klimala didn’t get much traction despite being a high-profile transfer last January, with just 17 appearances and three goals this season. He has made the Starting XI just under a tenth of all opportunities this season for the Scottish Premier League giants.

Klimala, even with the struggles for playing time at Celtic FC, is a highly regarded prospect and one of the top young strikers in Europe. A product of the Polish youth national team system, he has 10 appearances and three goals for the U21 national team. He has started in three of the U21 side’s last six matches.

With the Red Bulls, Klimala likely projects as a starter. A high-energy and effort player, he fits well with a team that presses and counter-presses effectively. The Red Bulls have been targeting offensive players this offseason and Klimala, despite his struggles with Celtic FC, fits a team desperate for goal scorers.

Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer