TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The New York Red Bulls have made a transfer-market splash, announcing Saturday they have acquired Swedish international midfielder Emil Forsberg as a Designated Player.
Forsberg, who arrives from German Bundesliga sister side RB Leipzig, has signed through the 2026 MLS season with an option for 2027.
"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," head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a release. "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.
"Emil is an amazing talent with a skillset that will particularly help develop young players and we cannot wait to see him take the pitch at Red Bull Arena in 2024."
A two-time DFB-Pokal winner at Leipzig, Forsberg tallied 71g/68a in 324 appearances for the UEFA Champions League regulars, who he initially joined in 2015. During his early career, the 32-year-old rose to stardom while at Swedish sides GIF Sundsvall and Malmö FF.
A regular for Sweden, Forsberg has produced 21g/9a in 86 matches and starred for their 2018 World Cup squad. He has also competed in two Euros (2016 & '20), though they fell narrowly short of qualifying for next summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.
"Emil’s experience in Europe will be very valuable to the locker room and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the club," said head coach Sandro Schwarz, who formally joined this week. "He is a great attacking midfielder that will provide much value to our midfield this season."
Forsberg fills a DP spot alongside midfielder Luquinhas and forward Dante Vanzeir, following RBNY officials saying there would be increased spending for the 2024 campaign.
With Forsberg, New York hope to build off their league-record 14th straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs trip. Their 2023 group squeezed in on Decision Day (43 points; 11W-13L-10D), beat Charlotte FC in the Wild Card round, and then got swept in Round One by Supporters' Shield champions FC Cincinnati.
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