One of the U.S. men’s national team’s promising left backs is on his way to the German Bundesliga.
John Tolkin has joined Holstein Kiel in a permanent transfer from the New York Red Bulls for an undisclosed fee, both clubs announced Thursday. Tolkin left USMNT January camp in order to complete the move.
The Red Bulls will retain a sell-on percentage, should Holstein Kiel transfer Tolkin in the future.
“With John Tolkin, we have been able to sign a player who is already experienced despite his age for our left side,” said sporting director of KSV Carsten Wehlmann. “With his qualities, he fits exactly into our requirement profile. We are convinced that he will quickly acclimatise with us and integrate into the team.”
Tolkin, 22, came through the Red Bulls academy before debuting for the first team in 2021. The New Jersey-born fullback delivered eight goals and 15 assists in 124 combined league appearances.
Tolkin earned MLS All-Star honors in 2023 while also earning his USMNT debut that same year. A former USYNT standout, Tolkin will now have an early opportunity to feature in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
“The German Bundesliga is one of the top leagues and will be a big challenge for me, which I am very much looking forward to,” Tolkin said. “My goal is to arrive here as quickly as possible and get to know my team in order to play my part in a successful second half of the season.”
Holstein Kiel sit 17th in the Bundesliga standings and next faces Hoffenheim in a bottom-three clash on Saturday.
Tolkin now taking some heat in Germany over his social media activity. Oops.
Really like his game. 3 future LB’s in Europe. Tolkin, Wiley, and Lund. Hope they all have success.
Lund has been in good form for Palermo the past couple of weeks.
Wiley still nursing injury
Tolkin getting his feet wet.
Which one will emerge as Jedis backup for 2026?
“John Tolkin joins Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel in permanent transfer……after opening a can of whup-a$$ on Dortmund” lol.
All the best Kid
8 pts from their first 14 matches, 6 pts in their last 3.
The table is very tight, if Kiel can win a couple of games they can leapfrog a few teams and get to safety. Of course, you can say the same for all the other teams around them. And the thing is with teams at the bottom of the table, winning a couple of games is pretty tall task.