The New York Red Bulls have not yet begun extensive discussions about the future of star midfielder Emil Forsberg beyond the current Major League Soccer season, according to head of sport Julian de Guzman. Forsberg's current three-year contract, signed in December 2023, includes a club option for the 2027 season.
De Guzman told The Post that while it is still early to engage in full contract negotiations, there have been very light conversations about Forsberg's well-being and the team's overall performance. He indicated that more substantive discussions are expected closer to the fall.
"It's important that we just continue to work on a season basis, and then as we get closer to, I would say the fall…we'll have a very good idea as to where that is," de Guzman said. "Most importantly, it's about what we're seeing Emil do for the group, as he's done in the past, and right now it's been really good."
Forsberg, who recently revealed his retirement from international soccer, expressed his contentment with his current role at the Red Bulls. "At the moment, I just love playing soccer, love coming here with the guys, helping the young guys, helping everybody else, being here, playing with this team, with [head coach] Michael [Bradley] and everybody else," Forsberg stated in a separate interview. "For me, I don't have any other thoughts about what's going to happen. I mean, that's up to my agent and everybody involved in Red Bull. I think they're gonna come to a conclusion about what's best for me. I'm not worried. I'm just focusing on my football right now and trying to help this club and this team to get better every day. That's my goal."
The Red Bulls front office views Forsberg, 34, as a valuable asset. De Guzman described him as "incredible" and someone in whom the club sees "so much value."
Since joining MLS, Forsberg has appeared in 69 regular season games for the Red Bulls, accumulating 22 goals and 23 assists. He was a key player in the team's run to the MLS Cup Final in 2024, famously coining the playoff rallying cry, "Why can't we."
This season, Forsberg has scored two goals for the Red Bulls, including a goal in the club's 3-2 victory over Orlando City before the Leagues Cup break. The team is set to resume its schedule this weekend against Atlanta United following the international competition breaks.