Two weeks ago, EoS reported Sebastian Le Toux was amongst the eleven other players who were told their future was no longer with the Red Bulls. Being out of contract, his status wasn’t revealed with the other players,

Today, Soccer By Ives reports that his future is a little less uncertain.

Using one of the many quirks within the MLS system, New York has given Le Toux what they dub a “bonafide offer.” That offer, reportedly around the $250k range, directly connects Le Toux’s future (and fortunes) to New York. He can either a) sign with the team – a move that would be costly for New York and not the ideal fit for the player, or b) reject the offer.

Unlike the free market systems of so many other leagues, rejecting the offer does not free the player completely. I’ll turn to MLS to offer their explanation:

“Players that were out of contract may either accept or reject the Bona Fide Offer. Should a player reject the offer, the drafting club will hold the right of first refusal for that player in MLS. Players with option years left on their contract will automatically be added to the drafting club’s roster.”

And what is the right of first refusal? Again, let’s take a trip down the MLS Rule Book:

“Right of first refusal grants one MLS club the first opportunity to add a player to its roster in the event that the player signs with MLS. Holding a right of first refusal applies only within MLS and does not indicate holding of the player’s International Transfer Certificate.

OUT OF CONTRACT PLAYERS / OPTIONS NOT PICKED UP: Subject to the Re-Entry Draft rules, a team retains the right of first refusal to the player indefinitely only if attempts were made to re-sign the player.

In the end, the Red Bulls will receive compensation on either end if they choose to move the French striker who was largely ineffectual during his time in New York.