RB Leipzig have announced the signing of New York Red Bulls defensive midfielder Tyler Adams on a long-term deal until summer 2023.
The 19-year-old will officially join the club when the winter transfer window opens in January 2019.
“If I think about the top leagues in the world, I think about the Bundesliga,” Adams said. “A lot of youngsters have made the next step in their development here. RB Leipzig are all about that, so it’s a great step for me.
“For me, it’s the chance to prove myself at the highest level and measure myself against my friends and compatriots, Christian Pulisic of Dortmund and Weston McKennie of Schalke.”
Tyler Adams “An immediate option for the midfield”
Regarded as one of the most exciting players in the MLS, Adams penned a Homegrown deal with the Red Bulls in November 2015 after a successful spell with the club’s USL affiliate New York Red Bulls II. He made the step up to the senior team in 2017, registering two goals and four assists in 24 MLS appearances and playing every minute of the club’s three 2017 play-off matches. He provided three assists in 27 MLS games for the Bulls in 2018.
A former USA U17 and U20 international, Adams made his USMNT debut alongside McKennie in the 1-1 draw with European champions Portugal on 14 November 2017. He has earned eight more caps since, and is one of five first-time nominees for the US Soccer 2018 Male Player of the Year Award.
“We’ve been following Tyler Adams for a long time,” said Leipzig coach and sporting director, Ralf Rangnick. “At 19, he was a key player this season for the New York Red Bulls, and he made his senior international debut for the USA. He’ll be an immediate option for the midfield, and we’re sure he’ll take the next step in his development in the Bundesliga.”
Adams will link up with former boss Jesse Marsch, who swapped New York for the assistant coach’s role at Leipzig in July.
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