RBNY transfer news: Kljestan to Orlando City for Rivas & Redding [update: 1/3/17]

After weeks of reports and rumors, a deal appears to have finally been done: Sacha Kljestan is no longer a member of the New York Red Bulls.

ESPN reporter Jeff Carlisle reported on Tuesday that a deal had been finalized between the Red Bulls and Orlando City SC.

The Red Bulls confirmed the announcement on Wednesday morning.

The Lions receive Kljestan and $150,000 in Targeted Allocation Money, while the Red Bulls land attacker Carlos Rivas and defender Tommy Redding. Carlisle’s report also stated that Kljestan signed a new, two-year deal with Orlando City, and frees up approximately $500,000 in cap space for the Red Bulls by getting rid of his contract.

The 32-year-old Kljestan ends his Red Bulls career as the club’s all-time leader in assists, as well as a club record 20 assists from his 2016 campaign. He led the league in assists in 2016 and 2017.

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Carlos Rivas joins the Red Bulls after a 5 goal, 5 assist season in Orlando City. He was signed as a DP in 2015, but it is unknown whether he will remain with the Red Bulls. He is 23 years old.

Redding is 20 years old and has been on and off the lineup for Jason Kreis’s side. He adds youth and depth at a position that sorely needs one.