Welcome to New York Emil Forsberg

New York Red Bulls, Professional, Soccer

December 17, 2023

The New York Red Bulls have finally made a splash in the transfer market. A transfer has been officially completed between New York and their German affiliate, RB Leipzig for midfielder Emil Forsberg to sign as a Designated Player.

Forsberg signed a three-year deal through 2026 with an option to extend for 2027. The 32-year-old from Sweden made 324 appearances for RB Leipzig over the past nine seasons where he drew up quite the résumé. Forsberg scored 71 goals, tallied 68 assists with RB Leipzig and won two DFB-Pokal’s (German Cups) with RB Leipzig.

The Red Bulls Head of Sport Jochen Schneider spoke on the transfer.

“We are very excited to add a player of Emil’s caliber to our club, the amount of experience he has in Europe will be a great addition to our roster,” Schneider said. “We are grateful for the support from Red Bull Soccer. This transfer showcases the Red Bull philosophy of high-intensity and attacking soccer and the power of our multi-club ecosystem which will benefit our club.”

Forsberg has also amassed an impressive stat sheet in international play in his time with Sweden. Across 82 games played, Forsberg had 21 goals and nine assists. Joining the Sweden National Team in 2014, he had the opportunity to play in the 2016 UEFA Euro Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he scored the game-winning goal against Switzerland in the Round of 16.

Newly appointed head coach Sandro Schwarz believes a player of this caliber will greatly benefit the Red Bulls.

“Emil’s experience in Europe will be very valuable to the locker room and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the club," Schwarz said. "He is a great attacking midfielder that will provide much value to our midfield this season."

With New York letting go of some key players, especially in the midfield such as Omir Fernandez and Dru Yearwood, Forsberg’s experience and veteran presence is a great help to one of the youngest teams in the MLS. The four-time Swedish Midfielder of the Year will join his new team pending the receipt of his visa.