The New York Red Bulls have finalized the transfer of controversial designated player Dante Vanzeir to Belgian club KRC Genk for a reported fee of $3 million, marking the end of his tumultuous two-season stint in Major League Soccer.
Vanzeir, who initially joined the Red Bulls in a high-profile $5 million move from Union SG, returns to his boyhood club after recording six goals in 51 appearances during his time in New York. The 26-year-old forward's tenure was marked by both on-field struggles and off-field controversy.
The Belgian striker's most notable incident came in 2023 when he was suspended for six games and received an undisclosed fine for using a racial slur during a match. The incident involved San Jose Earthquakes player Jeremy Ebobisse, though Vanzeir later claimed in an interview that the slur was directed at the referee rather than Ebobisse.
Despite the controversy, Vanzeir showed glimpses of his potential during the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, contributing two goals and one assist. However, his missed opportunity to equalize in the MLS Cup final against the Galaxy became a defining moment of his Red Bulls career.
Red Bulls head of sport Jochen Schneider acknowledged Vanzeir's contributions in a statement, saying, "We want to wish Dante all the best in the next step of his career. Dante played a big role in our club earning our first-ever Eastern Conference Championship last season and we appreciate all of his hard work over the last two seasons."
The departure opens up a designated player slot for the Red Bulls, who will look to build upon their successful previous season. The club now has an opportunity to attract a marquee signing in one of MLS's largest markets before their season opener against FC Cincinnati on February 22.
