HANOVER, N.J. – As the transfer window threatens to slam shut, the New York Red Bulls have made themselves players within the international market.
On Wednesday morning, the club announced the signing of midfielder Daniel Royer from Danish side FC Midtjylland.
The 26-year-old winger boasts an impressive resume, featuring for German Bundesliga side Hannover 96 and earning Champions League experience with Austrian Bundesliga giants FK Austria Wien. Royer has also received several caps at the international level with the Austrian national team.
Following Tuesday’s training session, New York head coach Jesse Marsch addressed the media and spoke highly of his team’s latest addition.
“I had dinner with him last night, and from the times that I’ve spoken to him, you can tell he’s a really smart player, really smart guy, has a good mentality and is excited about this challenge,” Marsch said. “In all ways, that’s what we look at first. We look at the kind of person that we’re adding into the group. It’s easy to watch tape and see what kind of talent he has, but what’s even more important is that his mentality and personality can fit into what we are. On that level, I think Daniel’s way to fit into this team will be seamless.”
The Red Bulls are hardly deficient in the goal-scoring department—their 38 goals scored are good for second in MLS—but Royer’s addition will bring another dimension to the already potent New York attack. A tricky winger with an established pedigree in European football, Royer could well become an important piece for New York as they make their playoff push.
“Soccer wise, from wide spots he can be very dangerous; he’s active, mobile, clever,” Marsch continued. “He’s played against Salzburg so he knows a little bit of the Red Bull style of play. He’s watched us play and he asked a lot of really educated questions about our team, our players, our style of play, so we’re excited to get him going here. We all think he’s going to help.”
Since dealing midfielder Lloyd Sam, Homegrown Alex Muyl has established himself as a standout within the Red Bulls lineup earning plenty of praise along the way. And while it may take some time to get Royer up to speed in New York, Marsch is confident that it won’t be long before the Austrian is a consistent contributor within the squad.
“The good thing is that when you have a good team already, it’s not a necessity to step in right away,” Marsch added. “A lot of that will be determined by Daniel’s desire to be here and show what he’s about, but we expect him to be a guy that can come in and help right away. Maybe there are times when he’ll come off the bench, but certainly he’ll have opportunities to start. He’s fit and he’ll be able to add in a big way.”
