New York Red Bulls player Caden Clark has been transferred to the Bundesliga team RB Leipzig, but will remain in the United States for the rest of the 2021 Major League Soccer season.
The Red Bulls announced their plans for the 18-year-old midfielder on Thursday after his successful start to this year’s MLS campaign. Clark will remain part of the global Red Bull football network as the two clubs are linked by the same ownership group. Clark joins former RBNY coach Jesse Marsch in Leipzig as he enters his first season after leading Red Bull Salzburg.
“Everyone at the club is very happy that Caden will take the next step in his professional journey,” said sports director Kevin Thelwell in a release. “Since Caden joined us, I think we all realized that if he continued to work hard and take advantage of his opportunities, Caden had the potential to move to Europe. We are very happy to have played a role and helped him jump to a top five league like the Bundesliga. “
In just 15 MLS games, Clark has scored six goals and two assists. This season he leads the team with four goals. During the 2020 MLS playoffs, Clark became the youngest player to score – 17 years and 178 days old – since Jozy Altifore set the standard in 2006 at 16 years and 357 days.
“Caden is a great talent and we are delighted to see him take the next step in his career,” head coach Gerhard Struber said in a release. “He is a hard-working child and has a bright future ahead of him.”
Hey, Caden! ?
18-year-old Caden #Clark joins #RBLeipzig from @NewYorkRedBulls ✍️
Caden will originally be loaned out in New York ??
Read more: https://t.co/bgcOYgfTw4 pic.twitter.com/SIMdb9oWMC
– RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) June 24, 2021
The young midfielder released a statement about his resignation and thanked teammates and staff before expressing his excitement when he travels abroad to one of Europe’s most prominent leagues.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that the New York Red Bulls have given me,” Clark said in the statement. “Being able to not only develop but play important minutes at USL and MLS here has really helped me grow professionally. I will continue to do what I can to help this team win its first MLS Cup. ”
