Bulls On (a Transfer) Parade
As we reach month two of MLS’s primary transfer window, a common theme has emerged at RBNY: change. As Head of Sport Kevin Thelwell settles into his second year in MLS and new Head Coach Gerhard Struber begins his first, Red Bull New York welcome two new faces into an ever-changing club. This week, the red side of New York welcomed the twenty-year-old USYNT midfielder Frankie Amaya. The Red Bulls acquired the 2019 first-overall draft pick via a transfer-and-sign deal with FC Cincinnati, after Amaya had requested a trade following a tumultuous 2020 season. RBNY also acquired a twenty-two-year-old Polish striker Patryk Kilmala from Scottish League giants Celtic FC, who appear to be in the middle of a rebuild themselves. With so many new faces arriving in a short amount of time, you can sense that RBNY are heading in a new direction. Despite Thelwell saying otherwise, it appears RBNY have a full rebuild in mind, which gives The Red Bull faithful hope that things are moving in the right direction. Rather than seeking big-ticket players, RBNY’s end goal is to have a young squad with fresh, new talent, in hopes that victories are on the horizon.
Let’s start by taking a look at Frankie Amaya - this young, talented midfielder has popped into the MLS scene and made a name for himself from the start. Being a #1 draft pick can add additional pressure to what is already a competitive league but, in my opinion, I feel there is endless potential for the future USMNT star. Struber will most likely look to use his technical skills and ability with the ball to give the team more control in the final third. Amaya is not only expected to start – he is expected to become a huge contributor in this team going forward. I’m ready to see how he fits into a crowded Red Bull midfield, which includes other young talents like Caden Clark and Cristian Casseras Jr.
Now let’s switch gears and talk about Patryk Kilmala. Looking at the depth chart in the striker position, its clear to see there is plenty of competition. With returning homegrowns Brian White and Tom Barlow both hungry to make an impact in the post-Bradley-Wright-Phillips era, as well as the inclusion of Fábio Roberto Gomes Netto on loan from Brazil’s Oeste FC, it seems Struber wants to see who will rise to the occasion. At the moment, there is no clear-cut starter at the number nine spot on the roster. However, Kilmala will look to reach the top of this list - with solid pace and above-average height, he will fit right into the structure that Struber has newly put in place. Already, it appears Struber is pushing for a “gegenpress” endless pressure system, similar to the high press that former RBNY and current RB Salzburg Coach Jesse Marsch was well known for.
As a fan of this club, I have never seen this much positive change in such a short amount of time. This continues to give me, and many other Red Bull fans, hope that things are moving in the right direction for the club. Seeing where the team is at now, and with such a young squad, they look ready and able to perform at their best during the duration of a ninety-minute game. It will be an added bonus to watch these young talents blossom before our eyes, which gives me all the good vibes I could have ever asked for from this franchise.
As always, I’m here for it all.
