New York Red Bulls midfielder Caden Clark is reportedly set to become the next young American to make the jump to Europe with a start in the German Bundesliga.
The 17-year-old is close to signing with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig according to a report by The Athletic, a deal that would keep him with the Red Bulls for the 2021 MLS season. It is a move is similar to the one made by former Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams, who is currently with RB Leipzig in his third season.
The move to RB Leipzig was agreed upon prior to Clark signing with NYRB II in February 2020, according to the report. Clark was set to stay with the USL Championship side until he turned 18 and became eligible to play professionally outside the United States.
Clark impressed in his 12 USL Championship appearances, scoring three goals and assisting five. This earned him an opportunity with the Red Bulls in October, where he debuted with goals in each of his first two games.
Clark finished his first MLS season just shy of 300 minutes in seven appearances. He also started and scored in the Red Bulls’ playoff loss to the Columbus Crew.
His move to Germany would make him the latest MLS product to jump to the Bundesliga, joining NYCFC Academy product Joe Scally who recently moved to Borussia Monchengladbach.
Clark born may 2003, started off in the United States Soccer Developmental Academy with Minnesota Thunder Academy in 2015. He made 37 appearances and recorded 9 goals in two seasons.
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He played for Barca Residency Academy. The Medina, Minnesota native made 58 appearances and totaled 15 goals for the Barca Residency academy in 2017-2019.
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In 2020, Clark made 12 appearances for the NY Red Bulls II and 7 for the NY Red Bulls.
Clark is a very smooth player. There is no question he can strike a ball on target, with pace while under pressure. The Red Bull organization seems able to spot and husband young talent successfully. Clark has benefited from that.
USL, MLS, Bundesliga for Caden Clark via Red Bull Academy, not bad at all.IMO. I def understand why the youth world cups were canceled but think of all the talent that could’ve been on the pitch at the same time for the US players born in 01-‘03. It’s mind blowing.
Caden Clark was actually a Barca Academy (AZ) kid, I’m not sure he ever even played for Red Bull’s Academy. The pandemic and the DA folding played a role in that, but you can’t give Red Bull Academy credit for him.
Interesting!! I didn’t do a any research on Clark’s academy. Hoppe is an AZ Barca kid also, if I’m not mistaken.
He’s actually from the Twin Cities, Red Bulls had to buy him from MN United even though he never was a part of United’s Academy. The Loons got 75,000 Garber bucks for a player they literally did nothing with. Got to love MLS!