New York Red Bulls Needs Showing, Werner Rumors Continue
Following a 1-1 draw to San Jose, the New York Red Bulls look like a team in need of a boost. Yes, the team has had time off since its hectic May.
But a June with long breaks, more injuries, and a head coach looking frustrated behind the belief has caught up. It’s time to face reality – this team needs fresh bodies.
Not players from New York Red Bulls II, despite how well they are doing in MLS Next Pro.
No, New York is looking outward in trying to fix scoring and play-making concerns for the team.
The question is, will it be enough?
Injuries
Ahead of Saturday’s match, the Red Bulls’ status report listed the following two players as out.
- Cameron Harper – Knee (Out)
- Lewis Morgan – Thigh (Out)
Harper’s injury has been known about since he was injured against Austin FC back on June 14. In late June, the team confirmed he would be out indefinitely due to surgery. The surgery was apparently on Harper’s MCL, most likely meaning his season is over.
For Morgan, the issue is the latest in a string. Following his first start in three months against Toronto FC in late June, the midfielder left the game before the half-hour mark with an apparent leg injury.
Last week, head coach Sandro Schwarz told the media that the 28-year-old Morgan would “be out for eight weeks. So that means he’s then available, I would say, end of August. That is right now the timeline.”
That is almost two months away for a player who has not been able to stay consistent, whether due to injuries or international duty.
This comes at a horrible time for New York. The team is set to play a mid-week U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal against the Philadelphia Union this week. The month of July will also include three more league matches and the start of the 2025 Leagues Cup tournament. RBNY is scheduled to play three Liga MX teams in that.
Right now, New York sits eighth in the East, with 33 goals scored (tied for the second fewest of the playoff teams). Red Bull does not have an offense that can be consistent, and that was seen against San Jose over the weekend.
Incoming Help?
The Red Bulls look to have help coming in soon, though. Reports state that Swedish midfielder Gustav Berggren is set to join the team from Polish side Raków Częstochowa.
This report comes from Swedish soccer reporter Daniel Kristoffersson and has been verified by other sources.
Despite not being a goal scorer by design, they only score about two goals per season in league play. He is known for his strong passing ability, with an 81.7% pass accuracy to his name, and his contributions to Raków’s midfield.
Rakow has played in European competition for the last few years, never reaching the knockout stage of competitions like the Champions League or Conference League. The team won the Ekstraklasa in 2022–23 for the first time, and finished runner-up last year. Berggren played a major role on those teams, so he should slot in alongside Emil Forsberg well.
With Felipe Carballo returning to Brazil from loan and the above injuries, another midfielder is desperately needed in Harrison. New York should be hopeful that a player like Berggren can adapt to MLS quickly and help navigate the busy summer stretch.
Timeout on Timo
The biggest New York Red Bulls transfer news continued to be rumors surrounding forward Timo Werner. The German national team and RB Leipzig striker are apparently encountering issues regarding salary.
The LVZ previously reported that Werner’s agent wanted a two-year contract with the MLS Red Bulls, which the 29-year-old would draw around 10 million annual salary. This has since been reduced to a two-year deal with a seven million annual stipend. Reportedly, RBNY still considers this too much.
A deal shipping Werner across the pond this summer still seems likely, as there remains little interest in the recent Tottenham loan returnee either within Germany or abroad. Werner himself is thought to be interested in working under German head coach Sandro Schwarz at the MLS founder club.
The fresh news does still constitute an interesting twist as – the LVZ has reported on many occasions – Werner’s current salary amounts to around €11.1m.
The former German international has already agreed to a significant pay cut. Werner ostensibly wishes to save some face.
PHOTO: New York Red Bulls
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