The Secondary Transfer Window for Major League Soccer has come and gone for New York and fans were hoping for a sensational signing. From all the talks of getting German forward Timo Werner, the only notable signing this summer for them was Swedish midfielder Gustav Berggren.
It was understandably disappointing that the club were unable to bolster their current squad. Besides Berggren, New York was able to complete the transfers of two of their MLS NEXT Pro players in Rafael Mosquera and Andy Rojas. Yet, the club announced on Friday another player that the Red Bulls are familiar with.
The Los Angeles Galaxy traded goalkeeper John McCarthy to New York in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. Additionally, the Red Bulls will be sending $150,000 of General Allocation Money (GAM) to Los Angeles. A portion of McCarthy’s salary budget charge will be maintained by Los Angeles as well.
McCarthy has seen his fair share of New York within the past year, albeit to far different results. As the Galaxy’s goalkeeper last season, McCarthy played an important role for a squad that lifted the MLS Cup vs the Red Bulls last December. However, McCarthy was also in net for New York’s 7-0 thrashing of the Galaxy back on May 10.
It has been a rather difficult season for McCarthy and the Galaxy up to this point. The Galaxy are dead last in the MLS standings with only three wins and 16 total points. For McCarthy in 11 matches started this season, he has no clean sheets and last appeared in a match vs Los Angeles FC on May 18.
To the intrigue of fans and analysts alike, why this move? One may look to the depth at the position currently and realize it is necessary.
Following the loss of backup goalkeeper A.J. Marcucci for the season due to injury, New York needed a second reliable option. Current starting goalie Carlos Coronel has been solid amidst a strange season for New York. But after Coronel, Aidan Stokes is the only other option and it might be too early to give him an opportunity to start.
With McCarthy being 33-years-old, he has enough experience to aid a Red Bulls squad pushing for another postseason appearance. This was the same goalkeeper who was given the 2022 Audi MLS Cup Most Valuable Player award for his sensational performance in that match’s penalty shootout.
The trade might be viewed as successful if everything comes into form in their last seven matches of the campaign. Head of Sport Jochen Schneider sparked excitement for the new addition in a press release from Red Bulls Communications on Friday.
“John [McCarthy] will help add MLS experience to our goalkeeper core and be a great example for our younger goalkeepers,” Schneider said. “He has shown up in big moments throughout his whole career and we are excited to add him to our organization.”
The Red Bulls are back in action Sunday in Charlotte to face Charlotte FC.
