Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel have been forced to defend their signing of USMNT international John Tolkin following criticism of his social media activity. The 22-year-old wing-back — a club-record transfer from Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls — has faced criticism for his activity online relating to a variety of topics including gender identity and conspiracies around the COVID pandemic.

John Tolkin, a U.S. international, joined Holstein Kiel as the club's record transfer but faced backlash over his social media activity. The player apologized for liking posts on gender identity and conspiracy theories,

Defender John Tolkin has transferred to Holstein Kiel of the German Bundesliga from Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.

John Tolkin’s move to Holstein Kiel in Germany isn’t just another transfer in the world of soccer, it’s a bold gamble, a game-changer in the life of a 22-year-old with the talent and potential to shine on bigger stages. This move is going to change everything for the left-back from the New York Red Bulls.

Defender John Tolkin transferred Thursday to Holstein Kiel of the Bundesliga from Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.

The New York Red Bulls transferred defender John Tolkin to Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel for a reported $3 million fee on Thursday.

The New York Red Bulls have agreed to sell homegrown wing-back John Tolkin to Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel, sources tell The Athletic, for an initial $3 million (€2.9m) fee. The MLS club will retain a sell-on percentage of any future transfer involving Tolkin.

Holstein Kiel are set to follow up their historic victory over Borussia Dortmund yesterday with what shall be a record transfer for the northern German club. Multiple sources now claim that the

New York Red Bulls left back John Tolkin has completed a transfer to Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel, the clubs announced on Thursday.

Thursday saw the New York Red Bulls officially announce the transfer of star defender John Tolkin to Holstein Kiel of the Bundesliga — the top flight of Germany and one of the largest soccer leagues in the world.