HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls announced on Wednesday the club had signed former New York Red Bulls II standout Florian Valot to an MLS contract pending receipt of his P-1 Visa. Valot played a key role for the Red Bulls II over the past two seasons, including helping the club claim the 2016 USL Cup.

“First, I would like to thank the coaches and staff for the opportunity that has been given to me,” said Valot. “This organization has helped me grow not only as a player, but as a person and has prepared me for this next step of my career. I would also like to thank my family, friends and teammates for the endless support through the entire season. Even though it is a dream come true, it has been a long journey and this is certainly not the end, but the beginning of a new one. I will continue to work hard and push myself to be able to contribute to the success of this team.”

Valot joined the Red Bulls II in June of 2016, and recorded six assists and three goals in his first season with the club, and started in the club’s USL Cup victory against the Swope Park Rangers. This past season the 23-year-old had a stellar year, recording 10 goals and seven assists as the Red Bulls II reached the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs before falling in a penalty shootout to eventual champion Louisville City FC.

“Florian has been really patient,” said Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch. “For two years, we have watched him play really well with the USL team and we have known how talented he is. It is due time that we added him to the First Team. We are all very excited to have him in preseason, push him along in the first group and give him an opportunity to establish himself at this club.”