Red Bulls Re-Sign Soccer Academy Alumnus From Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — John Tolkin, a native of Chatham, has been signed by the New York Red Bulls to a fresh MLS deal, the team revealed today. Tolkin has agreed to a new four-year deal with an option for an additional year in 2027.

Over the past two seasons, Tolkin, 20, has established himself as a mainstay for the Red Bulls at left-back. The native defender made 30 starts and appearances this season, and his three assists this year set a new career high, the soccer club said.

"We are very excited to sign John to a new contract and keep him with the club,” Head of Sport Jochen Schneider said. “He had a very successful season, and we are pleased to have him on our team for years to come.”

Tolkin was just ranked as No. 6 overall on the 2018 MLS 22 Under 22 list. Prior to signing his first contract in 2020, he played for the Red Bulls Academy for five seasons, making 79 appearances and scoring 15 goals.

“I am very excited to have John at the club,” Head Coach Gerhard Struber said. “He is an extremely talented young defender that brings energy to our backline, and we are pleased to keep him with us.”

The New York Red Bulls are also looking to build a new training facility in Morris County. The proposed training facility in Morris Township would house the Red Bulls' first team, the USL's Red Bulls II and the Red Bulls Academy and Youth Training programs.