After spending nearly 10 years playing for English clubs such as Manchester City and Southampton F.C. of the Premier League, as well as England’s U-20 side, forward Bradley Wright-Phillips has made the leap across the pond. As of Wednesday, July 24, “BWP” is a member of the Red Bulls after accepting an offer to which he said, “I thought, 'I couldn’t say no.'”
When speaking on the signing after Wednesday's training session, head coach Mike Petke spoke to the opportunities Wright-Phillips can create for the Red Bulls offensively.
“He gives us a great option not only up front for some depth, but he also could be an interesting aspect for outside, a wing player,” Petke said. “He’s very confident on the ball, he’s very offensive minded, he’s got good pace, I know he’s played out wide on wing at certain points, so it gives us an option at two spots.”
While working out with the team during parts of June and early July, the forward showed plenty of potential and a glimpse of what he can bring to the club, all while providing a little excitement at the same time.
When the 28-year-old returned home to England after his trial period had ended, the unrest set in quickly. Simply put, he couldn’t wait to come back to New York and join the Red Bulls full time.
“The players that are here, the facilities, I wanted to be a part of it,” said Wright-Phillips during his first encounter with the New York media. “Everything, you know, that you want in a club is here and I just wanted to experience it.”
