The New York Red Bulls transferred defender John Tolkin to Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel for a reported $3 million fee on Thursday.

Defender John Tolkin has transferred to Holstein Kiel of the German Bundesliga from Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.

Thursday saw the New York Red Bulls officially announce the transfer of star defender John Tolkin to Holstein Kiel of the Bundesliga — the top flight of Germany and one of the largest soccer leagues in the world.

Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel have been forced to defend their signing of USMNT international John Tolkin following criticism of his social media activity. The 22-year-old wing-back — a club-record transfer from Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls — has faced criticism for his activity online relating to a variety of topics including gender identity and conspiracies around the COVID pandemic.

Bello left Atlanta United in 2022 to join an Arminia Bielefeld side struggling to stay up in the Bundesliga before eventually getting relegated. When he left Major League Soccer, Bello was on the fringes of the USMNT but now he's in Austria having taken a step back league-wise wise and it's an opportunity for other players like Tolkin.

Holstein Kiel's record transfer John Tolkin has apologised for his social media activities after he was criticised for liking posts related to gender identity, the COVID-19 pandemic and conspiracy theories,

John Tolkin’s move to Holstein Kiel in Germany isn’t just another transfer in the world of soccer, it’s a bold gamble, a game-changer in the life of a 22-year-old with the talent and potential to shine on bigger stages. This move is going to change everything for the left-back from the New York Red Bulls.

John Tolkin has joined Holstein Kiel in a permanent transfer from the New York Red Bulls for an undisclosed fee, both clubs announced Thursday. Tolkin left

United States national team defender John Tolkin said he has regrets over his past activity on social media after joining Holstein Kiel in Germany.