One of the U.S. men’s national team’s promising left backs is on his way to the German Bundesliga.
John Tolkin has joined Holstein Kiel in a permanent transfer from the New York Red Bulls for an undisclosed fee, both clubs announced Thursday. Tolkin left USMNT January camp in order to complete the move.
The Red Bulls will retain a sell-on percentage, should Holstein Kiel transfer Tolkin in the future.
“With John Tolkin, we have been able to sign a player who is already experienced despite his age for our left side,” said sporting director of KSV Carsten Wehlmann. “With his qualities, he fits exactly into our requirement profile. We are convinced that he will quickly acclimatise with us and integrate into the team.”
Tolkin, 22, came through the Red Bulls academy before debuting for the first team in 2021. The New Jersey-born fullback delivered eight goals and 15 assists in 124 combined league appearances.
Tolkin earned MLS All-Star honors in 2023 while also earning his USMNT debut that same year. A former USYNT standout, Tolkin will now have an early opportunity to feature in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
“The German Bundesliga is one of the top leagues and will be a big challenge for me, which I am very much looking forward to,” Tolkin said. “My goal is to arrive here as quickly as possible and get to know my team in order to play my part in a successful second half of the season.”
Holstein Kiel sit 17th in the Bundesliga standings and next faces Hoffenheim in a bottom-three clash on Saturday.
