Why Dante Vanzeir’s $3M New York Red Bulls exit could spark a bold MLS rebuild | OneFootball

A transfer for Dante Vanzeir to KAA Gent of the Belgian Pro League was reported at a price of $3 million, with a future sell-on percentage included. In this move, the New York Red Bulls do not just free up a DP spot but also help bring one chapter of the club to a close while opening up an exciting new phase of possibilities. Vanzeir's exit serves as a reminder of how frequently reinvention is necessary in a league as dynamic as MLS.

The arrival of Dante Vanzeir to the Red Bulls in 2023 brought experience from Union Saint-Gilloise with the promise of becoming a key piece in the team's attack. In two seasons, he recorded 6 goals and 11 assists in regular-season play, plus major contributions in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, where he scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist. While those stats aren't exactly groundbreaking, his presence was crucial in helping the club secure its first-ever Eastern Conference title.

But, as has always happened with any team seeking to be competitive, a time always comes when the scales of balance between the performance of a player and his market opportunities must be reset. A transfer to Gent, based on reasonable financial return that still allows for potential future profit, is a move that makes sense, both sporting and financial.

We want to wish Dante all the best in the next chapter of his career," said Jochen Schneider, sporting director of the Red Bulls, whose statement has all the characteristics of diplomacy in these cases but never forgets what he has meant for recent successes for the team.

Next for the attack of the Red Bulls

Without Vanzeir, the New York Red Bulls will have to reorganize their attack. Fortunately, the club has already begun building back. The addition of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, an experienced forward with a fairly established résumé, and the young Polish striker Wiktor Bogacz shows that the Red Bulls want to bring in a well-rounded and effective attacking lineup.

This deal opens up a much-needed Designated Player slot for the Red Bulls as they look to bring in another impactful signing. In a league that's often decided by DPs, this is an opportunity that cannot be afforded to be missed.

A strategic rebuild

Vanzeir wasn't the only starter to leave the 2024 roster. Left-back John Tolkin was transferred to Bundesliga's Holstein Kiel and center-back Andrés Reyes to San Diego FC. It goes to show further that the Red Bulls are in some sort of rebuilding phase.

Under the guidance of Sandro Schwarz, now in his second season as head coach, the team seems focused on a balance between restructuring and continuity. Experienced players like Emil Forsberg and Choupo-Moting will be indispensable in driving this process, while new talents like Bogacz bring energy and a hunger for victory into the squad.