Red Bulls bolster offense with trade for Saer Sene

The New York Red Bulls today traded Andre Akpan and allocation money to the New England Revolution for Saer Sene and an international slot. Sene has played for the Revolution for the last seasons, accumlating 17 goals and 8 assists in 59 appearances. Sene has a little bit on an injury history. He sustained a torn ACL in August 2012 which kept him out the rest of the season.

"Saer, who can play wide or up front, will add a different dimension and another option to our attack," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. "We’re excited to bring him aboard and at the same time, we wish Andre all the best with his new club."

The trade seems to be an overall plus for the Red Bulls. Akpan wasn't getting playing time with the first team as it seems Petke didn't really trust him. Sene gives Petke a player who can be moved around while providing another offensive threat. It also adds depth to the team going into the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League (first game is August 26th).

The issue is where will Sene play. Thierry Henry & Bradley Wright-Phillips own the two spots up front. Mike Petke won't change the formation for Sene as both Dax McCarty and Tim Cahill bring different (and needed) skill sets to the team. The logical move seems to be (once he's good to go) placing Sene in the left wing position. This would leave both Eric Alexander and Ambroise Oyongo (who's been good on the left wing) on the bench, which would be two decent options to change the pace of a game.

The only downside is salary. Sene's 2014 guaranteed compensation is $163,682.54 compared to Akpan's $51,333.33. While the Red Bulls won't be paying the full amount, it does eat into the cap room for any future moves.

What do you think of the trade? Let us know in the comments.