New York Red Bulls address Anatole Abang's loan: "We continue to believe in Anatole"

The New York Red Bulls have loaned Anatole Abang out to Hobro IK, a club currently second in the Danish First Division (the second tier of pro soccer in Denmark). The loan was officially confirmed by Hobro on August 22.

It has previously been revealed that the loan is for the Danish season, with Abang due to return to RBNY in the summer of 2017. Reports from both sides of the Atlantic have stated that Hobro is not in the market to buy the Cameroonian international, but is certainly pleased to have a player of his pedigree on the roster.

Though the deal appears in many respects to be an exile - presumably a prelude to Abang's departure from his current club in the 2017 summer transfer window - RBNY's Sporting Director, Ali Curtis, provided a statement to Once A Metro that presented the arrangement in a different light:

We continue to believe in Anatole as he is a young promising player. The current composition of the first team roster has him on the outside looking in, but this loan opportunity gives him a chance to experience a new environment and get back to the form he had last year. We’ll stay in touch with Anatole during the loan to monitor his progress.

Abang is currently on international duty with Cameroon, winning a start in the team's friendly against Gabon on September 6. Hobro is next in action on September 7, though Abang probably will not be available for selection by his new club until at least September 11, when the club plays league-leaging Nykobing.