Transition is a part of life. Everyone can relate to situational changes in life that usher in a new era or make the beginning of the next chapter of life. The hope is that these transitional periods will be positives. Graduations, weddings, or a job promotion are just a few examples of the preferred catalyst for transitional periods of life. While generally viewed in a positive light, even the best of transitions brings with it a certain type of anxious anticipation. Because while a hope in the best is dominating in these times, transition brings with it a level uncertainty. Aurelien Collin is entering just such a transitional time as he joins the New York Red Bull organization in a trade from Orlando City SC. As much good as could possibly come from this trade, without a doubt Collin faces uncertainty in New York.
Collin is just three seasons removed from being named the MLS Cup MVP for his performance with Sporting KC in the 2013 MLS Finals; yet, his future in MLS may very much ride on his performance with the RBNY. Collin’s arrival in Orlando before the start of the 2015 season was well received and Collin was expected to be one of the secondary leaders on the team behind Kaka.
The 2015 season went well for Collin. He endeared himself to many fans and appeared to have established himself as a veteran anchor for the youthful Lions’ backline. However, when the 2016 season rolled around, Collin was clearly on the outs with head coach Adrian Heath and seeing the pitch for any significant amount of time felt like a fantasy. Heath may not have wanted him but Collin was too established with the fanbase for his absence on the field to go unnoticed. The longer Collin sat on the bench the more questions were going to be raised and the harder it was going to get for Heath to avoid answering them. Something had to give and Collin was shipped out rather unceremoniously.
Three clubs in three seasons looks poor on almost any resume. For a 30-year-old athlete, it raises more than a few eyebrows and a red flag or two.
Arriving in New York could be the fresh start Collin needs to re-establish himself as an all-star caliber center back. He certainly should receive plenty of opportunities as RBNY are far from the form they hoped to be in at this point in the season and with a very young the backline. Collin’s experience and leadership abilities should be well valued as a defender and his ability in the air adds another dimension to a potent Red Bull offense.
This trade has the potential to be very beneficial for all parties, which is very encouraging. Orlando moves forward with their youth movement. New York adds a veteran talent for relatively little, only giving up a conditional fourth round pick in the SuperDraft, even before they convinced Orlando to remain responsible for the majority of Collin’s contract.
The only party really facing a downside is Collin. The transition into the New York market can be very beneficial for Collin and could serve to revitalize his career. With his interest in fashion and culture, New York also offers a chance to enhance his off the field life in ways Orlando was not capable of doing.
If Collin finds his form on the field, New York could be a terrific boon. If not, Collin will be another year older seeking his fourth club in four years under less than ideal circumstances. At which point, it could well be that the next club he lands with would be outside of MLS.
Main Photo: Alex Menendez, Getty Images
