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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Vanzeir on his way back to Belgium</li><li>Move reported to be near $3 million</li><li>Forward used a racial slur in MLS match in 2023</li></ul>

New York Red Bulls sell controversial designated player Dante Vanzeir to Belgium club KRC Genk

Dante Vanzeir is returning to Belgium after a mixed and controversial stint in Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls.The 26-year-old is heading to his boyhood club, KRC Genk, the Red Bulls announced Friday. The move is for a<a href="https://x.com/tombogert/status/1882874681423999170?s=46" target="_self"> reported $3 million</a>, ending a two-season tenure in which the forward scored six goals in 51 appearances.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bedankt Dante 🫶 Dante Vanzeir has been transferred to KAA Gent of the Juplier Pro League <a href="https://t.co/RH77uPUScm">pic.twitter.com/RH77uPUScm</a>— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewYorkRedBulls/status/1882873791908638924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2025</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

Vanzeir came in as a heralded signing for the club, with a reported price tag of <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/dante-vanzeir/transfers/spieler/289648" target="_self">$5 million from Union SG.</a> Unfortunately, inconsistent form and controversy marred his time in New York.He is probably most remembered for the use of a racial slur towards Jeremy Ebobisse, then a star for the San Jose Earthquakes, in 2023. The forward was given a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine. In a later interview, Vanzeir admitted he used the slur, but <a href="https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2023/04/24/vanzeir-admits-saying-monkey-red-bulls-vs-earthquakes/77428779007/" target="_self">claimed it was towards the referee</a>, not Ebobisse.Vanzeir had a decent showing in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, with two goals and one assist. In the MLS Cup final against the Galaxy, he notoriously missed a late chance that would have leveled the game for the Red Bulls.Now, with an open DP slot, the Red Bulls have a chance to build off an unexpectedly strong season last year and attract a potential top signing in one of MLS's biggest markets.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

"We want to wish Dante all the best in the next step of his career," head of sport Jochen Schneider said<a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/new-york-red-bulls-transfer-dante-vanzeir-to-belgian-club#:~:text=The%2026%2Dyear%2Dold%20Belgian,Cup%202024%20presented%20by%20Audi." target="_self"> in a statement.</a> "Dante played a big role in our club earning our first-ever Eastern Conference Championship last season and we appreciate all of his hard work over the last two seasons."

WHAT THE RED BULLS SAID

The Red Bulls kick off their season on Feb. 22 against FC Cincinnati.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE RED BULLS?

New York Red Bulls sell controversial designated player Dante Vanzeir to Belgium club KRC Genk | Goal.com

The controversial forward sees his time at the Red Bulls come to an end, with a move back to his boyhood club Genk

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