Holstein Kiel, USMNT defender John Tolkin relegated from German Bundesliga after a home loss to Freiburg

A 2-1 home defeat to Freiburg for U.S. international John Tolkin and Holstein Kiel on Saturday confirmed that they will be relegated from the German Bundesliga this season. The fullback, who was a member of the 2024 Paris Olympics roster and helped lead the New York Red Bulls to a 2024 MLS Cup appearance, joined the club in the January transfer window.

Saturday's result, along with Heidenheim's 3-0 win over Union Berlin left 17th place Kiel four points behind Heidenheim with one match left in the season - confirming their fate.

Tolkin started and played 71 minutes in the match.

Kiel reached the Bundesliga for the first time in their history during the 2024-25 season, but their stay was short-lived, as they'll now be sent back down to the second division for the 2025-26 season.

22-year-old Tolkin made eight starts for the club, recording two assists. He missed four matches across February and March with muscular problems.

Internationally, he has four caps, most recently playing for the senior team in January 2024. Last summer, he helped the U.S. U23 team to a quarterfinal appearance at the Paris Games.

Kiel brought in Tolkin in a $3 million move to bolster their slim chances of remaining in the German top flight, but the left back and his team are being sent down to the second division of Germany. The club he departed, RBNY, were recently listed as the 45th most valuable club in the world by Sportico - while Kiel were not named.

Tolkin and Kiel will be looking to have a quick return to the Bundesliga and will be playing in the 2. Bundesliga next year.