New York Red Bulls sign Polish striker Patryk Klimala
Patryk Klimala has officially joined the New York Red Bulls, the now former Celtic striker’s move to MLS being made official on Thursday.
The move for Klimala comes after weeks of rumors and build-up surrounding the young players move to MLS. Klimala is the second big move of the week for the New York Red Bulls, who also made official their acquisition of midfielder Frankie Amaya this week in a transfer from FC Cincinnati.
The 22-year-old forward found playing time at Celtic a struggle, especially given the depth of the attackers for the Scottish giants.
In 17 games this year, primarily off the bench, he has three goals and a yellow card. He has started in just nine percent of Celtic’s matches this year and factored into just 15 percent of all minutes played for the club in 2021.
Klimala has also played extensively for Poland’s U21 national team, making his debut with the group two years ago and making 10 appearances with three goals for his country.
On Saturday in their season opener, the New York Red Bulls squandered a goal by Caden Clark early in the second half to lose to Sporting Kansas City 2-1.
It was a short and not necessarily happy time in Scotland for Klibala, a high-profile transfer from Polish side Jagiellonia last January for a fee of €4.00 million. Per the New York Red Bulls, Klibala signed a four-year contract with a team option for an additional year.
The season opening loss stung for the Red Bulls, not only giving up a lead but in how they played. The attack was disjointed up top and the movement (or lack thereof) on the flanks was disappointing. Link-up play and interchanging was non-existent.
The addition of Klimala should help some of these woes. He is also an ideal fit in terms of playing style.
Klimala brings a high work rate up top, excelling in pressing and counter-pressing. He should be able to assimilate from a tactical point of view for a team that will value him not only for his ability in front of goal but also for creating pressure and winning second balls.
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