In need of an option up top, the New York Red Bulls are closing in on a move to add a seasoned MLS veteran with considerable international experience.
A source close to the situation tells Pro Soccer Wire that the Red Bulls are close to signing Jamaica international Cory Burke, who has spent the past five seasons with the Philadelphia Union.
The 30-year-old striker joined the Union in 2016 and spent his first two seasons with Bethlehem Steel, their USL affiliate. In 2018, he signed with the senior team.
During his time in Philadelphia, Burke made 93 appearances (38 starts), scoring 25 goals and adding eight assists.
Burke became a free agent earlier this month when the Union declined his contract option.
Last season represented what was arguably the best all-around MLS campaign of his career, as he netted seven goals and five assists. He appeared in 33 games, making eight starts.
Burke also made a major impact in the postseason, coming on as a sub in all three of the Union’s matches as the club eventually fell to LAFC in MLS Cup. He scored against NYCFC in the Eastern Conference final and drew a red card in extra time of MLS Cup after a scary collision with LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
Burke also has made 27 appearances for the Jamaican national team, scoring seven goals.
Since the departure of Bradley Wright-Phillips following the 2019 season, the Red Bulls have been searching for a consistent goalscorer. The hope was that Patryk Klimala, who signed with the club last season for a reported $4 million, would be the answer.
But Klimala has disappointed during his two years in MLS and was in and out of the lineup by last summer.
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