New York Red Bulls star midfielder Cristian Casseres has been signed by French Ligue 1 Toulouse on an immediate transfer, amNewYork has learned.
The Venezuelan international’s contract was set to expire at the end of this season, which would have seen him head to France on a free transfer. With the signing now, though, the transfer fee could be worth more than $1 million if certain incentives are hit.
The 23-year-old had spent parts of the last six seasons with the Red Bulls after coming over from Deportivo La Guaira in Venezuela ahead of the 2018 season. He recorded 14 goals and 13 assists in Major League Soccer play for New York during his tenure with the club, including a tally in the Red Bulls’ 4-0 win over Atlanta United on June 24.
Losing the creative maestro provides another sizable hole for the club to fill, especially when it finally showed signs of coming out of its scoring malaise. After recording just 11 goals in their first 17 matches, the Red Bulls recorded six in their previous two with Casseres supplying that goal against Atlanta and an assist against Charlotte FC on June 21.
The Red Bulls’ midfield is already missing Scottish star Lewis Morgan, who is out with what manager Troy Lesesne described as a “concerning” injury.
Toulouse finished 13th in Ligue 1 this season with 48 points, 13 above the relegation zone.
