You have to think that part of the appeal for Harper is that it's an entry into Red Bull pipeline, assuming he performs.
I can confirm the Athletic report about RBNY. They have been interested for several months. There are 2 other clubs in MLS that are also interested. RBNY wants him into the global pipeline although nothing is guaranteed. He'd have to perform well to move abroad. It would be a first-team contract with RBNY and he would play.
If he's good enough to play in MLS, he'll play for Red Bull. That's been proven over time. This sounds like a good move to me.
I’m not sure how reliable this source is, but they say that Red Bulls and Celtic have agreed to a fee and that Harper will join up with Red Bulls before pre-season training starts. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport.../cameron-harper-set-celtic-departure-23438724
now a done deal: Red Bulls acquire, sign U.S. U-20 midfielder Harper Mar 5, 2021 https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2021...ulls-acquire-sign-u-s-u-20-midfielder-harper/
Sad to see Harper leave Celtic but his opportunities were going to be limited. That's not a slight on his abilities. I think Harper is a fine player with a bright future especially under Struber's guidance. Harper will get that attention he needs for his development. Celtic will be dumping a lot of players in the summer and a revamp of sorts is needed starting with a quality manager. There is a real possibility of a power shift back to Rangers. Celtic is going to do everything in their power to combat that shift so young players, like Harper, who should be getting a look, will be passed over by signing more established players. It was the right time for Harper to move on. If he shows well in MLS, which I think he will, Europe will be an option again.
Interview: “The contract talks started happening, there was no kind of agreement on anything,” Harper said. “When they shipped me back down to the reserves, that's when I got it tough because there's only a few guys there. There are about 5-10 guys there per day and people were out on loan. I would say maybe in September, it was getting pretty bad in terms of my place there. But I was still playing games, so it was it was OK... Leading up towards December, January, when I had a good idea about leaving, that's when it kind of got a little bit uncomfortable.” http://www.americansoccernow.com/ar...ger-harper-eager-to-boost-the-red-bull-attack