New York Red Bulls sign former Bayern Munich, PSG striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, as designated player

After a month of speculation, the New York Red Bulls have confirmed they are signing former Bayern Munich, PSG striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting as a designated player for their 2025 roster.

Choupo-Moting, who has been a free agent since his contract at Bayern ended in June 2024, will join the Harrison, NJ-based club on a two-year deal. The Red Bulls have an option for 2027 and the deal is pending receipt of his P-1 visa and ITC.

“We are excited to add a player of Maxim’s caliber to our roster,” head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a statement. “Maxim is a great player, a winner and his experience in Europe’s top leagues will be greatly important to our club in 2025 and beyond.”

New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz added, "Maxim is a strong forward that will bring a lot of experience and leadership to our club. He will be a great addition to our roster, and we are looking forward to seeing him on the pitch at Sports Illustrated Stadium.”

The well-traveled Choupo-Moting was a solid contributor at his last stop with a Die Roten side that captured three Bundesliga titles, scoring 38 goals in 122 appearances.

Overall, the Cameroon international is a late bloomer, having seen much of his career success in his 30s, with another previous high-profile stop with Paris Saint-Germain. Choupo-Moting's arrival raises questions about two different areas: the team's formation and the future of Dante Vanzeir.

Choupo-Moting's arrival means the Red Bulls will have used all of their three senior designated player spots, with Emil Forsberg and Vanzeir being the other two. With New York leaving Vanzeir open for selection in last week's Expansion Draft, it could suggest that the club is open to potentially moving on from the forward.

The Red Bulls are now focused on Friday's MLS SuperDraft, where they have the 29th pick.