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.

United States national team defender John Tolkin said he has regrets over his past activity on social media after joining Holstein Kiel in Germany.

Confirmation of John Tolkin’s record transfer to Holstein Kiel officially came yesterday. The 22-year-old’s move to the Bundesliga unfortunately immediately sparked controversy. Once various

Holstein Kiel's record transfer John Tolkin has apologised for his social media activities after he was criticised for liking posts related to gender identity, the COVID-19 pandemic and conspiracy theories,

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,

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.

Bello left Atlanta United in 2022 to join an Arminia Bielefeld side struggling to stay up in the Bundesliga before eventually getting relegated. When he left Major League Soccer, Bello was on the fringes of the USMNT but now he's in Austria having taken a step back league-wise wise and it's an opportunity for other players like Tolkin.

After completing a $3M transfer to the club, the Bundesliga side defended the decision to acquire the American