22-year-old Joins RBNY from Premier League Side as Young DP
HARRISON, N.J. (August 7, 2019) – The New York Red Bulls have added English winger Josh Sims on loan from Southampton FC, the club announced today. Sims joins New York on loan until the end of the 2019 season and will be added to the Red Bulls roster as a Young Designated Player, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa.
"Our goal during this transfer window was to find a young, dynamic player who improves our team," said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. "We evaluated a lot of options, and Josh’s attributes, plus his Premier League experience, made him our top choice. Josh fits our style of play and our club culture. We look forward to welcoming him in the coming days and working together toward our ultimate goal of winning MLS Cup."
Sims, 22, is a native of Yeovil, England. He was a member of Southampton’s academy before being promoted to the First Team in 2016. Sims has appeared for England at several youth international levels, most recently in the 2019 Toulon Tournament against U-23 competition.
Sims made his Southampton debut in the Premier League in November 2016, earning a first-minute assist on the eventual game-winning goal against Everton. Weeks later, he earned a start for Southampton in a Europa League match, marking his first venture in European competition. Sims has made 26 appearances across all competitions for Southampton’s senior team, including 20 in the Premier League, recording two assists in 573 league minutes.
"We’re thrilled to add a quality player and person like Josh," said Red Bulls Head Coach Chris Armas. "He’s an intelligent, dynamic, attacking player that brings a threat in the final third that we are excited about. Josh also understands the demands of our style of play. We look forward to getting him here and getting to work."
Sims went on loan to Reading in the Championship last August, but rejoined Southampton for the second half of the 2018-19 season under new manager Ralph Hasenhüttl. Sims earned consistent minutes during the stretch run, appearing in seven of the final nine matches of the season and helping Southampton survive the relegation battle to remain in the Premier League.
"I’m delighted to join the team," said Sims. "I can’t wait to come over and meet the fans, players and staff. It’s a brilliant opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work."
Transaction: New York Red Bulls Add Josh Sims on loan from Southampton FC, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa, on August 7, 2019.
