Patryk Klimala leaves New York Red Bulls for Hapoel Be'er Sheva transfer
By Chris Smith
The New York Red Bulls have transferred striker Patryk Klimala to Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Be'er Sheva.
Klimala moves for an undisclosed fee with the Red Bulls maintaining a percentage of any future sale. Perhaps most importantly, the transfer opens up a valuable Designated Player spot on Gerhard Struber's roster.
The 24-year-old striker originally joined the Red Bulls ahead of the 2021 season having previously represented Celtic, Jagiellonia Białystok, Wigry Suwałki, and Lechia Dzierżoniów. Klimala went on to register 14 goals and 11 assists in 63 appearances across all competitions, helping RBNY reach the MLS Cup Playoffs both seasons at the club.
"We want to thank Patryk for everything he has done for the club," Red Bulls head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a club press release. "We wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors."
90min understands that in Klimala's place, the Red Bulls will sign Belgium international Dante Vanzeir from Union SG to fill their vacant No.9 spot. Struber also has Elias Manoel and Cory Burke to call upon, with the former signed permanently from Gremio after his loan last season and the latter arriving from the Philadelphia Union via free agency.
The Red Bulls begin the 2023 campaign on February 25 at home to Orlando City as they begin their quest to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs for a record 14th consecutive season.