Cracovia Set To Sign RBNY Striker Wiktor Bogacz on Loan, RBNY II Inks Two Young Players From Mali

On Wednesday, speculation surrounding Red Bull New York forward Wiktor Bogacz reached a new stage as reports suggest that the 21-year-old Polish international could be headed to Ekstraklasa club KS Cracovia on loan. 

Thomasz Włodarczyk of Polish outlet Meczyki reports that the deal for Bogacz to return to his home country has been finalized, and the player is expected to arrive in Kraków this week. The news has been subsequently confirmed by Tom Bogert of The Athletic and amNewYork's Joe Pantorno. The deal is for a one-year loan with an option to buy.

Bogacz, 21, joined RBNY from second-tier Polish side Miedź Legnica on a four-year U22 Initiative contract at the beginning of 2025. His departure would leave Dennis Gjengaar as the club's lone U22 Initiative player after Noah Eile's transfer to Bristol City was confirmed earlier this week.

Not only does this open up opportunities for U22 Initiative signings, but it reduces the number of international players on New York's squad. Entering the offseason with 14 international players under contract, outbound moves for Eile, Bogacz and Chilean defender Marcelo Morales have lowered that number to 11, with the club maintaining 10 slots. 

Assuming the Bogacz move is a done-deal, currently, the 11 international players with the club are Emil Forsberg, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Dennis Gjengaar, Gustav Berggren, Ronald Donkor, Juan Mina, Mohammed Sofo, Omar Valencia, Andy Rojas, Rafael Mosquera and Nehuen Benedetti.

New York had to beat out Serie A giants Juventus to ink the young Polish striker. However, despite the interest from top European clubs, Bogacz underwhelmed in his first season at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

In 24 first-team appearances in 2025, Bogacz scored one goal and assisted three. He also scored two goals in two appearances for RBNY II. In six appearances with the Polish U-21's, Bogacz has tallied two goals.

Former DC United and Atlanta United midfielder Mateusz Klich joined Cracovia, the accomplished midfielder's first-ever professional club, in the summer of 2025, so there is more business being done between MLS teams and the club currently sitting in fourth in the Ekstraklasa.

RBNY II Signs Two Young Players From Yeleen Olympique in Mali

On Wednesday, Red Bull New York II announced that it had signed Malian midfielders Makan Sissoko and Sekou Kone to one-year loans from Bamako-based club Yeleen Olympique. Both deals are pending visa and registration approval.

Kone, 18, received high praise from RBNY II manager Dominik Wohlert, with the German coach saying, "Sekou is a strong box to box midfielder that is strong in getting forward through his dribbling and passing abilities. He is a midfielder that creates chances and we look forward to adding him to our squad."

Referring to Sissoko, 20, Wohlert shared a similar sentiment. "Makan is an explosive and exciting midfielder that can influence the attack with his scoring and passing abilities. We are excited to work with him and look forward to having him at the club."

Empire Soccer Report Episode 5 is live!

In the latest episode of Empire Soccer Report, James Birle is joined by Anthony Merced of AJM Sports FC. With plenty of transfer news/rumors, James and Anthony analyze the departure of Noah Eile, the arrivals of Ethan Horvath and DP Jorge Ruvalcaba and more: