Sean Davis captained the Red Bulls for two years. (Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
Red Bulls captain Sean Davis won’t return to the Red Bulls for the 2022 Major League Soccer season, the midfielder announced on Thursday.
MLSSoccer.com’s Tom Bogert reported that Nashville SC had agreed to a deal with Davis, according to sources.
Sources: Nashville SC have agreed a deal to sign free agent midfielder Sean Davis.
Davis, 28, made 172 MLS appearances with the New York Red Bulls, was their captain and academy product. He was heavily sought-after in MLS.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 30, 2021
According to OnceAMetro.com, the 28-year-old Davis, who had captained the team for the past two years, had been offered a three-year deal of “a maximum salary budget charge value below Designated Player status.” The link to the story: https://tinyurl.com/2p82kca2.
In an Instagram post, Davis said goodbye to the club and fans.
Thank you, Sean.
It's been our honor watching you grow within our organization. Best of luck in what's next, @seanakiradavis. pic.twitter.com/OXh9rSLLbw
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) December 30, 2021
“Seven incredible years!” he wrote. “It’s impossible to find the right words to express my appreciation for the @newyorkredBulls, an organization that’s done so much for me. There’s too many to thank for this unforgettable chapter in my life.
“A big shoutout to the coaches (academy, USL, first team) staff, and front office. As players, our best moments are a reflection of the thankless work you do behind the scenes. You created an environment that helped me grow as a player and person.
“To the fans, you showed me nothing but love and respect from day one. There was no better feeling than celebrating wins with you and I’ll especially remember those nights we won the Shields together. Your support is unwavering and strong, and I know you’ll continue to support the guys the same way you’ve supported me.”
Thank you, Sean. // https://t.co/YqwKpo2nmX pic.twitter.com/1PmWDx6vY4
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) December 30, 2021
Davis played every minute of every game – 3,060 minutes – for the Red Bulls this past season. He was one of three field players who accomplished that feat.
His departure continued an intriguing tradition with the club, players who have left after short tenures as captain since Thierry Henry retired in 2014.
The list includes Dax McCarty (2015-16), Sacha Kljestan (2017), Luis Robles (2018-19) and now Davis (2020-21).