With all the talk about who the New York Red Bulls might sign as a third designated player, there had been no talk about what the team might do within MLS to help bolster their squad.
On Friday night we found out the Red Bulls were planning a blockbuster.
The Red Bulls acquired French forward Sebastien LeToux from the Vancouver Whitecaps on Friday night in exchange for Jamaican winger Dane Richards and allocation money.
The shocking trade brings LeToux back to the East Coast, where he starred for the Philadelphia Union for two seasons. After just half a season with the Whitecaps, LeToux became expendable in Vancouver with the emergence of rookie standout Darren Mattocks.
LeToux gives the Red Bulls some sorely-needed depth at striker, which has grown more and more important with Thierry Henry's inability to stay healthy. LeToux is also a player who can play in a 4-3-3 with Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper. He can also play on the wing if needed.
The trade sends away Richards, New York's longest serving player. The speedy Jamaican should give the Whitecaps some much-needed pace on the flanks, along with giving Mattocks a veteran countryman to mentor him. He became expendable in New York when the emergence of Brandon Barklage at right back allowed the team to move Jan Gunnar Solli into a right wing role. Richards is also in the final year of his MLS deal, and looks like a good bet to test the international market this winter.
For Vancouver, the trade makes it clear that the Whitecaps are going to keep Mattocks in the starting lineup, and having Richards on the team should help take advantage of Mattocks' speed. Richards is also versatile enough to be played as a wide forward in a 4-3-3 or as a traditional right winger.
What do you think of the trade? Like the Red Bulls move, or think Vancouver did well to trade from their surplus at forward?
Share your thoughts below.
