Red Bull New York announced today that it has signed Estonian midfielder Joel Lindpere. Per club and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. He will be added to the roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
"Joel is an experienced midfielder who can play in many different positions," said Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. "We have watched him play for a long period of time and we are confident that he will be able to adjust to the MLS game."
Lindpere most recently played for Norwegian Tippeligaen side, Tromso IL, where he made 75 appearances from 2007-09 and scored five goals. The 28-year-old joined Tromoso from Estonian club, FC Flora Tallinn. Lindpere had three different stints with FC Flora, from 2000-01, 2002-04 and 2005-06. In between, Lindpere also featured for Estonia's FC Valga from 2001-02 and Bulgaria's CSKA Sofia from 2004-05. He started his career in Estonia as a 15-year-old at JK Nomme Kalju in 1997 before moving onto Lelle SK for two years.
After making his international debut in 1999, Lindpere has been a stalwart for the Estonian National Team, earning 74 caps and scoring six goals.
After Red Bull Arena's Grand Opening against legendary Brazilian club, Santos FC, on March 20 at 6:00 PM, the Red Bulls kick off their 2010 MLS Regular Season at Red Bull Arena on March 27, when they host the Chicago Fire at 7:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes). Full Season Ticket Plans for the New York Red Bulls' first season at Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, NJ, are on sale now. Midfield seats in the 100-Level and sideline sections 107, 112, 124 and 128 are all sold out, but good seats are still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
Joel Lindpere
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
Day of Birth: Oct. 5, 1981 in Tallinn, Estonia
Hometown: Tallinn, Estonia
Previous Professional Club: Tromso IL (Norwegian Tippeligaen)
Status: Senior International
How Acquired: Signed by New York on March 5, 2010
