The rumors were hot and heavy as the reporters were being shot out of a cannon that the Red Bulls were going after Celtic’s young hot prospect, as they tried to make this move. So after the many days and months of negotiations, the Red Bulls finally got their player.
They transferred young Polish International Striker Patryk Klimala from Glasgow Celtic of the Scottish Premier League and they will sign him as a Young Designated Player on a four-year MLS contract with a club option for a fifth year. Of course, they are waiting for his P-1 visa and ITC to come in so they can officially have him begin as soon as possible.
“We’re delighted to complete this deal and welcome Patryk to our club,” said Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell. “Patryk is a talented true center forward who has proven that he can score goals and create in a variety of ways. We believe he has the ability to impact games in MLS now, and the potential to continue to grow and succeed in years to come. We look forward to welcoming him to New York and getting him acclimated to our club.”
The 22-year-old who signed with Celtic on January 22, 2020, made his first appearance in the Scottish Premier League played in 28 matches, converted three goals, and an assist in 681 minutes in all competitions. He has also played internationally for Poland, as a member of their U-21 squad, and during the UEFA U-21 qualifying tournament, scoring two goals and an assist in 278 minutes played.
“I’m very happy with Patryk’s decision to join us,” said Head Coach Gerhard Struber. “At both the club and youth international level he has shown that he has high potential. He demonstrates a strong work ethic against the ball, which is very important to our style of play, and has very good instincts around the goal. His movement and ability in the final third give the team another weapon.”
The Red Bulls have scouted Europe and across the globe to find talented players to come and perform in Harrison, some have said that the homegrown talent is running dry, but for now, it looks like the Red Bulls are answering those critics by bringing in these young and exciting players.
The one thing that needs to happen is for the chemistry to come together and bloom like a flower, there is plenty of time to do that as the season has just gotten started.