Red Bulls sign USMNT midfielder Sacha Kljestan

The New York Red Bulls have signed U.S. men's national team midfielder Sacha Kljestan from Belgian side Anderlecht.

The New York Red Bulls have agreed to a transfer deal for U.S. men's national team midfielder Sacha Kljestan with Belgian side Anderlecht, the club announced on Wednesday.

The Red Bulls completed the move by using the top spot in the MLS allocation order, which they acquired in a trade with the Montreal Impact on Tuesday. 

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"This was an extremely complicated transaction that we worked on over the last few weeks," Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis said in a release. "There were multiple variables that needed to be managed during the process. Ultimately, we were able to reach a point where we could bring Sacha aboard. I am elated to have Sacha join the club. We are confident that he will have a positive impact on the field, in the community, and with our fans."

Kljestan, 29, has 46 caps for the USA since making his senior debut in June 2007. He was part of the 2009 Confederations Cup squad that saw the United States finish second, the best finish ever for the U.S. in a FIFA competition. He also represented the U.S. in World Cup qualifying matches in 2010 and 2014.

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The Huntington Beach, Calif., native broke into MLS in 2006 with Chivas USA and was the runner-up in Rookie of the Year voting that year. Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch was a Chivas USA teammate of Kljestan from 2006-09 and also an assistant under former U.S. coach Bob Bradley when Kljestan was on the roster.

Kljestan moved to Anderlecht in June 2010 and made 90 league appearances.

He is expected to join the team in Orlando for preseason camp. The Red Bulls open the 2015 season on March 8 at Sporting Kansas City.

- Mike Fiammetta