New York Red Bulls star defender John Tolkin has been transferred to Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel, a source with direct knowledge of the information confirmed with amNewYork on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old’s market had been heating up in recent days and after a slow period, negotiations with the German side gained traction on Tuesday night. The deal was completed Wednesday morning.
Tolkin’s move to a European club had been a foregone conclusion for two years, though the Red Bulls could not find a proper offer that was mutually beneficial for the club and the player. That included a denial of an approach from Holstein Kiel last year and interest from other German clubs, Belgium, and Italy.
He now will join a club in the middle of a relegation battle after winning promotion to the Bundesliga last season. Holstein Kiel currently sits in 17th out of 18 teams, but are just three points from moving out of the relegation zone after an impressive 4-2 victory over German giants, Borussia Dortmund.
Regardless of position, Tolkin will get an opportunity to secure playing time in one of the largest leagues on the planet, which will further his rise within the United States’ national system.
Tolkin is currently at the US men’s national team’s January camp ahead of potential friendly matches against Venezuela on Jan. 18 and Costa Rica on Jan. 22. It is already his fourth camp with the senior team as he prepares to make a legitimate push for more playing time with eyes on the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the US next summer.
Granted, his path to a starting role is blocked by Fulham star Antonee Robinson.
The Red Bulls are losing one of their best homegrown products in franchise history. Tolkin’s 17 assists across all competitions was already a team record. He also scored seven goals in MLS play across five seasons.
The MLS transfer window opens on Jan. 31, which will help them attempt to fill the void of his loss, though head coach Sandro Schwarz has deployed the versatile Cameron Harper — a natural midfielder — into a fullback position at times.
