Josh Sims returns to Southampton after RBNY loan expires

New York Red Bulls announced on Wednesday that the loan contract of winger Josh Sims was not renewed and that he will be returning to Southampton, his home club in England. Sims made only nine league appearances for RBNY as well as playing in last season’s playoff loss in Philadelphia.

The announcement closes an awkward chapter for both Sims and Red Bulls. Brought in abruptly on transfer deadline day last summer after weeks of club officials claiming that signings were being lined up, the temporary nature of Sims’ contract as well as the team’s already-existing glut of wingers made the signing a curious one that did not provide the expected excitement.

In his limited minutes (including only substitute appearances in RBNY’s two pre-suspension matches in 2020 due to the return of Florian Valot) Sims was serviceable as a traditional British-style crossing wideman and contributed a goal and assist, but was ultimately not the solution for a disjointed 2019 Red Bulls team with wrinkles throughout the lineup.

Daniel Royer and Florian Valot are expected to be RBNY’s starting wingers for the upcoming MLS Is Back tournament, with Alex Muyl, Omir Fernandez, and Jared Stroud as depth options.