Home » How New York Red Bulls fans are reacting to Dante Vanzeir’s departure

How New York Red Bulls fans are reacting to Dante Vanzeir’s departure

by Ives Kelly
(Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)

Dante Vanzeir’s time with the New York Red Bulls has officially come to an end.

The club announced his transfer to KRC Genk, marking the conclusion of a controversial and mixed tenure in Major League Soccer.

While some fans are relieved to see him go, others are reflecting on his impact, both good and bad.

The Belgian forward joined the Red Bulls with high expectations in 2023, but his time in New York was anything but smooth.

Despite helping the team reach their first-ever Eastern Conference Championship, Vanzeir’s stint was marred by inconsistent form and a racially charged controversy that divided fans.

Now, as he returns to his boyhood club, supporters are sounding off online, offering a wide range of opinions.

A rocky journey in MLS

Vanzeir arrived in New York as a highly anticipated signing, with the Red Bulls spending $5 million to bring him from Union SG.

Fans expected him to deliver as a designated player, but his contributions on the field were sporadic. Over two seasons, he scored just six goals in 51 appearances, with flashes of promise overshadowed by missed opportunities.

His most notable contributions came in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, where he scored twice and provided an assist. However, his missed chance in the final against LA Galaxy still lingers in fans’ memories.

Off the field, Vanzeir’s tenure was overshadowed by controversy. In 2023, he was suspended for six games after using a racial slur during a match against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Though he later apologized, the incident left a lasting stain on his reputation among fans.

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How fans are reacting

When the New York Red Bulls announced Vanzeir’s transfer on X, fans shared mixed reactions.

Some were glad to see the club move on, while others acknowledged his contributions to the team’s historic season.

“Good riddance,” one fan bluntly commented, highlighting lingering frustration over Vanzeir’s controversy and inconsistent form.

“Def an up-and-down time with us… but he is a big reason why we got to the cup final,” another noted, offering a more balanced perspective.

Others looked ahead, with one fan saying, “Now we need another LB (or two) and another DP attacker/midfielder. Anything less is sad.”

Despite the controversy, some fans expressed appreciation for his role in the team’s playoff run. “Bumps in the road on the performance side and linguistically, but there’s no MLS Cup run without him,” another supporter admitted.

You can read more reactions below;

What’s next for the Red Bulls?

Vanzeir’s departure opens up a designated player (DP) slot for the Red Bulls. Fans are already speculating about potential signings that could elevate the team for the 2025 season.

Many are calling for the club to focus on strengthening their midfield and defense, particularly at the left-back position.

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