Anatole Abang, seen here last season in the famed orange ball match against the Colorado Rapids, is off to Finland on a season long loan (photo credit: Corbin Elliott)
Remember the promising Cameroonian forward who was seemingly poised to have a breakout year with the Red Bulls in 2015?
No? That’s unfortunate.
The once promising Anatole Abang seemingly fizzled out in 2016 and was sent on loan to Danish club Hobro IK. Despite scoring three goals in 10 appearances, Abang’s loan was cancelled six months prematurely by New York.
Having been back with New York since the beginning of January, the Red Bulls seemingly could not find room for Abang in its 2017’s plans. The club announced Tuesday they had reached an agreement with Finnish side SJK Seinajoki to loan out Abang through July 15th with the option to extend it through to 2018.
Given the plethora of talent and depth on the Red Bull bench it was unlikely Abang was destined to return this year, given he has only managed four goals in 25 appearances for Red Bull. Despite this, I am a bit disheartened to see the 20-year-old sent away yet again.
He showed moments of brilliance when star striker Bradley Wright-Phillips failed to find his groove in 2015, having been given the nod to start up top over the seasoned veteran. All that promise has yet to amount to anything significant.
What will the ultimate fate of Abang be? Only time will tell but I hope to see him back in a Red Bull shirt one day.
Best of luck in your travels to Finland, Abang.
New York Red Bulls
MLS
