TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Signing
The New York Red Bulls have signed Southampton winger Josh Sims on loan for the remainder of 2019, the club announced Thursday. Sims will count as a Young Designated player on New York's roster.
"Our goal during this transfer window was to find a young, dynamic player who improves our team," said Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett in a statement provided by the team. "We evaluated a lot of options, and Josh’s attributes, plus his Premier League experience, made him our top choice. Josh fits our style of play and our club culture. We look forward to welcoming him in the coming days and working together toward our ultimate goal of winning MLS Cup."
Sims, 22, is a product of Southampton's famed academy and was promoted to the first team in 2016. In addition to his pro experience, Sims has featured for England at several youth international levels, most recently in the 2019 Toulon Tournament, the famed U-23 tournament that takes place annually in the south of France.
Sims made his English Premier League debut for Southampton in November 2016, picking up an assist in the first minute of the game. In total, he has made 26 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, including 20 in the EPL. Sims also spent time on loan with Reading in the first half of the 2018-19 season, recording three goals and four assists in 18 appearances. He was then called back to rejoin Southampton, where he appeared in seven of their final nine matches to help the club maintain its Premier League status.
"We’re thrilled to add a quality player and person like Josh," said Red Bulls head coach Chris Armas. "He’s an intelligent, dynamic, attacking player that brings a threat in the final third that we are excited about. Josh also understands the demands of our style of play. We look forward to getting him here and getting to work."
