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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Vanzeir on his way back to Belgium

Move reported to be near $3 million

Forward used a racial slur in MLS match in 2023WHAT HAPPENED?

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 reported $3 million, ending a two-season tenure in which the forward scored six goals in 51 appearances.

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Vanzeir came in as a heralded signing for the club, with a reported price tag of $5 million from Union SG. 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 claimed it was towards the referee, 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.

WHAT THE RED BULLS SAID

"We want to wish Dante all the best in the next step of his career," head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a statement. "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 NEXT FOR THE RED BULLS?

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