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RB Leipzig signs Caden Clark from the New York Red Bulls

By Kristian Dyer

New York Red Bulls midfielder Caden Clark is heading to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
New York Red Bulls midfielder Caden Clark is heading to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the worst kept secrets in MLS was made official on Thursday: Caden Clark is headed to RB Leipzig.

With the transfer, midfielder Caden Clark is heading from the New York Red Bulls to the parent club in the German Bundesliga, RB Leipzig. The 18-year old Clark has four goals and two assists on the year.

New York Red Bulls midfielder Caden Clark in action against the Orlando City SC during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
New York Red Bulls midfielder Caden Clark in action against the Orlando City SC during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

In the past three years, the Red Bull owned clubs of Leipzig (Tyler Adams and now Clark) and Salzburg (Brenden Aaronson) have brought in young American talent to their respective teams.

Like similar moves with Adams and Aaronson, the move to RB Leipzig will not take place until the completion of the MLS season.

The move for Clark is the latest big move for a club that has made some of the biggest transfers in recent MLS history. In recent years, the likes of Adams, Matt Miazga (Chelsea on loan at Anderlecht), Kemar Lawrence (Anderlecht and now at Toronto FC) and Michael Amir Murillo (Anderlecht) have been among the higher profile sales from the New York Red Bulls to Europe.

Signed late last season after the Red Bulls had relieved head coach Chris Armas, the addition of Clark played a part in the club continuing a playoff streak that dates to 2010.

His ability to make quick passes and touches then moving into space is ideal for an RB Leipzig side that plays at a frantic pace. In addition, his clinical finishing shows a maturity in front of goal that goes well beyond his teenage years.

Last week, Clark was named by United States national team head coach Gregg Berhalter to the provisionary roster for the upcoming Gold Cup.

In this recently completed season, RB Leipzig finished 19-8-7 (65 points) and in second place in the Bundesliga, landing them an automatic berth in the Champions League.

Clark has made himself comfortable on the wing with New York, who acquired his rights last year from Minnesota United. He scored in his first two MLS games.

In 15 matches (11 starts) spanning 928 minutes played, Clark has six goals and two assists. He did not feature for the Red Bulls on Wednesday night in a 3-2 loss at the New England Revolution as he underwent an appendectomy on Wednesday night.

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

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