It's official. Matt Miazga is heading to Chelsea FC.
After days of rumors and reports, the New York Red Bulls announced the transfer of their 20-year-old academy product on Saturday morning.
Miazga, who had a breakout season in 2015 as a regular starting center back to help the Red Bulls capture the Supporters' Shield, made a total of 38 appearances in MLS (34 starts). He signed as a Homegrown Player in May 2013 and was entering the final year of his four-year contract.
"It is a bittersweet day for the New York Red Bulls," RBNY Sporting Director Ali Curtis said in a club statement. "We are very happy for Matt to get the opportunity but it is tough to see him leave after coming through our academy to the first team–there is a different feel when one of your HomegrownPplayers leaves.
"We tried everything we could to keep Matt, but we understand and respect his desire to play in Europe," Curtis continued. "Moving forward, we'll either reinforce the team from within our existing player pool or we will acquire a player from the international market. Additionally, the proceeds of this transfer provide us with greater resources to put back into our youth system."
A native of Clifton, N.J. and a member of the US Under-23 team still in the running to qualify for the Rio Olympics, Miazga was named the 2015 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year in December. He earned his first cap with the US national team in a November World Cup qualifier against St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
In such a busy 2015, he also featured in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, helping the USA reach the quarterfinals.
"I am forever grateful for my time at Red Bull for providing me with the opportunity to grow and develop into the player I am today," Miazga said in a statement. "My experiences there have helped me fulfill my lifelong goal along with the support of my family, friends, and God.
"It was a dream come true to sign my first professional contract with my hometown club," Miazga continued. "I want to say thank you to the entire New York Red Bulls organization including all of my coaches, teammates and staff that were there with me during my time with the club."
