Holstein Kiel close in on record deal for USMNT full-back John Tolkin | OneFootball

Holstein Kiel are set to follow up their historic victory over Borussia Dortmund yesterday with what shall be a record transfer for the northern German club. Multiple sources now claim that the Storks are set to sign USMNT international John Tolkin.

The 22-year-old will join Kiel from the New York Red Bulls. At present, there are conflicting reports regarding the fee. MLS transfer expert Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport – the original source of the rumour – claimed that Tolkin would cost the German club €3m.

Transfermarkt.us reports that Tolkin’s fee is closer to €2.5m. Both sources, and local German journalist Niklas Heiden of the Kieler Nachrichten assert that the American Red Bulls have secured a re-sale clause as part of the deal.

Despite the fact that they find themselves under severe budgetary restraints, the Kiel administrative team have gotten off to a proactive start in the current January transfer window. Slovenian defender David Zec was signed before the window even opened.

Immediately inserted into the starting XI by head-coach Marcel Rapp, Zec has logged maximum minutes in the two league fixtures since the restart. Tolkin, a natural left-back, serves as a replacement for loaned out transfer flop Tymoteusz Puchacz.

GGFN | Peter Weis