The Red Bull New York will have their debut in the 2025 MLS season in less than a month. However, the team is far from ending the transfer market.
Every team has strengthened their roster. The logical thing is that Red Bull does the same thing.
With the arrival of Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, the club is building a squad capable of competing for titles this season.
Meanwhile, other teams are also making big moves, with LA Galaxy re-signing their captain, Maya Yoshida, and Charlotte FC adding Eryk Williamson to their roster.
And no it’s official. NY Red Bulls has signed Raheem Edwards as a free agent. The Canadian left-back arrived at the club with a one-year contract.
The club adds experience in a position full of young players. And reinforce one of their weakest positions.
Two reasons why this was the right move for the New York Red Bulls
The first one. Red Bull New York doesn’t have a natural left-back. During the season, they used Kyle Duncan to try and solve that problem.
But, the issue is that Duncan is a right back. His dominant foot is the right one, not the left one. The American plays on his weaker foot during matches.
Bringing a natural player for the position will benefit many aspects of the Red Bulls game. Firstly, the clean playing out of the back.
With a left-footed player on the left side of the defense, the triangulation and passes will be easier.
In terms of attacking, Edwards will have a much better angle to cross the ball into the box. Meanwhile, a right-footed player has to adjust his position to shoot with his dominant foot.
The other reason is experience. The New York Red Bulls have two young prospects at left-back, but that’s not enough to win titles. Until those players acquire enough minutes, the club needs experience to win crucial games.
That’s why Edwards is a good match. 29 years old, with a past in the MLS. He is used to this league and how the games are played in the Major League Soccer. Edwards can be a mentor for these young guys.
Raheem Edwards’s stats in the MLS
Raheem Edwards played for seven teams in the MLS. He played for the LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Minnesota United FC, Toronto, LAFC, and CF Montreal.
Among those clubs, Edwards played 174 MLS games, scoring eight goals and giving 22 assists.
Adding that Edwards won a Supported Shield and MLS Cup, as per Transfermarkt.
