Red Bulls Sign Watford Striker Ashley Fletcher on Loan

New York Red Bulls have strengthened their striker pool with the addition of Watford striker Ashley Fletcher from the English Premier League on loan for a six month trial. The 26 year-old English forward has experience on many levels and looks to translate that to Major League Soccer.

"His general movement off the ball suggests he has a good level of game understanding," said head coach Gerhard Struber. "He will hopefully prove to be a good piece in the attacking zone."

Fletcher has played a majority of his career in the English Championship, the second division of English football, with Middlesbrough. In his most productive year he scored 13 goals in 46 appearances. Only once has he hit double digit goals. He joined EPL's Watford in 2021 but failed to make much of a splash with just one goal in three appearances.

The move deepens Struber's options with Tom Barlow as the main back-up thus far this season. Whether or not he can remain with the club will be seen. Thus far New York has had little luck in replacing the once prolific goal-scoring of Bradley Wright-Phillips. Last season the loan of Fabio proved to be disappointing with the hopes that Patryk Klimala's opening game goal showing hopeful signs. Fletcher will be a welcome addition.

The Englishman will not join the team right away as the Red Bulls are awaiting his visa which should be cleared shortly.

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