New York Red Bulls sell controversial designated player Dante Vanzeir to Belgium club KRC Genk

The controversial forward sees his time at the Red Bulls come to an end, with a move back to his boyhood club Genk

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Vanzeir on his way back to Belgium

• Move reported to be near $3 million

• Forward used a racial slur in MLS match in 2023

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dante Vanzeir is returning to Belgium after a mixed and controversial stint in Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls.

  The 26-year-old is heading to his boyhood club, KRC Genk, the Red Bulls announced Friday. The move is for a reported $3 million, ending a two-season tenure in which the forward scored six goals in 51 appearances.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vanzeir came in as a heralded signing for the club, with a reported price tag of $5 million from Union SG. Unfortunately, inconsistent form and controversy marred his time in New York.

  He is probably most remembered for the use of a racial slur towards Jeremy Ebobisse, then a star for the San Jose Earthquakes, in 2023. The forward was given a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine. In a later interview, Vanzeir admitted he used the slur, but claimed it was towards the referee, not Ebobisse.

  Vanzeir had a decent showing in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, with two goals and one assist. In the MLS Cup final against the Galaxy, he notoriously missed a late chance that would have leveled the game for the Red Bulls.

  Now, with an open DP slot, the Red Bulls have a chance to build off an unexpectedly strong season last year and attract a potential top signing in one of MLS's biggest markets.

• WHAT THE RED BULLS SAID

  "We want to wish Dante all the best in the next step of his career," head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a statement. "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."

• WHAT NEXT FOR THE RED BULLS?

  The Red Bulls kick off their season on Feb. 22 against FC Cincinnati.