Patryk Klimala joins New York Red Bulls from Celtic - New record deal

Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls have signed Polish striker Patryk Klimala from Celtic. The forward has signed a four-year contract and will become a Young Designated Player at the Red Bulls. Celtic will receive a fee in the region of $4.8 million, which makes Klimala the second most expensive signing in club history and the most expensive center-forward. 

“We’re delighted to complete this deal and welcome Patryk to our club,” New York Red Bulls head of sport Kevin Thelwell said in a club statement. “Patryk is a talented true center forward who has proven that he can score goals and create in a variety of ways. We believe he has the ability to impact games in MLS now and the potential to continue to grow and succeed in years to come.”

Klimala joined Celtic in January 2020 but has struggled to leave a mark. Nonetheless, head coach Gerhard Struber is certain that the forward can contribute at the MLS level. “At both the club and youth international level, he has shown that he has high potential," Struber said. "He demonstrates a strong work ethic against the ball, which is very important to our style of play and has very good instincts around the goal. His movement and ability in the final third give the team another weapon.”