Red Bulls trade F Tom Barlow to Fire

Field Level Media|published: Mon 18th December, 15:14 2023

Nov 4, 2023; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Tom Barlow (74) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half against the FC Cincinnati of game two in a round one match of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs at Red Bull Arena. credits: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Red Bulls traded longtime forward Tom Barlow to the Chicago Fire in exchange for General Allocation Money, both teams announced Monday.

In the deal, New York will receive $125,000 in GAM in 2024 and another $125,000 in 2025. They could receive an additional $150,000 in GAM depending on whether Balow meets particular performance-based incentives.

"We are pleased to welcome Tom to Chicago as we continue to build our roster for the 2024 season," Chicago Fire sporting director Georg Heitz said in a news release. "After identifying our needs for the upcoming season, we aimed to add a forward with MLS experience who can influence matches in various ways and help to provide more depth and competition within the squad.

"We believe that Tom's speed, mentality and knowledge of the League will be very beneficial to the team, and we look forward to seeing his contributions on the field."

Barlow, 28, has spent all five seasons of his MLS career with the Red Bulls, making 128 appearances (55 starts) and scoring 17 goals across regular season and playoffs. He played in 34 MLS regular-season matches during the 2023 regular season (20 starts) and three playoff matches (all starts).

Barlow has notched three goals in five starts in the MLS Cup playoffs in his career.

"We want to thank Tom for his time with the club. He always represented the club well on and off the field," Red Bulls head of sport Jochen Schneider said in a statement. "Tom was a true professional and had a great attitude that set a great example for the locker room. We are wishing him and his family the best in this next step of his career."

—Field Level Media