TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The New York Red Bulls have signed US youth national team defender John Tolkin to a Homegrown contract, the club announced Tuesday. He's the 22nd Homegrown signing in club history.
Tolkin, 17, made 79 appearances during the Developmental Academy regular season and has recorded 15 goals. He also started nine matches for New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship last season and can play in the midfield as well as left back.
“John is regarded as a top young talent not just in our academy, but in the U.S. Youth National Team Pool as well,” sporting director Denis Hamlett said in a club statement. “We are proud to have played a role in John’s development so far, and happy to share this day with him and his family as he begins his professional career.”
Tolkin has featured for the Under-17 U.S. Men’s Youth National squad eight times.
“I’m very excited to sign my first pro contract,” said Tolkin. “Every academy kid dreams of this, and I’m happy it’s here now. I’m ready to work hard and do everything for the club, I love the club and I can’t wait to get started.”
Tolkin is the Red Bulls' fourth winter signing and the third who has been involved with the NYRB II last seaosn, following Jared Stroud and Chris Lema. This offseason has seen RBNY move on from the likes of Bradley Wright-Phillips, Luis Robles and Michael Murillo.
