The New York Red Bulls announced on Thursday that defender Markus Holgersson will depart the club, his contract terminated by mutual consent with one year remaining.
“After speaking with Markus following the conclusion of our season and taking into account our salary cap situation, we mutually decided that it would be in everyone’s interest for us to part ways,” said Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh in a statement. “Markus indicated to us that he is ready to take on the next stage of his career and we want to thank him for his service to the New York Red Bulls.
“Markus, an excellent professional, has been an important part of our club and defense for the past two seasons, helping us win the Supporters’ Shield in 2013, and we are very sad to lose him. We want to wish him the best of luck.”
Holgersson joined the Red Bulls from Swedish side Helsingborgs in January 2012. He earned team Defender of the Year honors that season, leading all New York defenders in regular-season appearances (31), starts (31) and goals (3). Logging time at both center back and right back, the 28-year-old featured and started in 32 of New York’s 34 regular season games in their Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign in 2013, recording one assist.
Prior to his MLS stint, Holgersson helped Helsingborgs become the first side to win the Swedish treble in 2011, winning the Allsvenskan (first division) league title as well as the Swedish Cup and the SuperCup.
