Red Bull New York Close to Signing Julián Bazán

Red Bull New York is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with Julián Bazán, a Colombian youth international, sources revealed to the Post on Saturday, just before the team’s home opener against the New England Revolution.

Bazán, a 20-year-old defender, has made seven appearances for Deportivo Pereira in Colombia’s La Liga Dimayor. Interestingly enough, he also has some experience on the international stage.

He has participated in 24 matches for the Colombian U-20 national team and was part of last year’s U-20 World Cup, where the team secured a third-place finish.

When Bazán arrives in Harrison, New Jersey, it’s expected he will take the starting center-back position, joining teammates Justin Choi and Robert Volodar.

This winter has been quite a change for the Red Bulls. They faced a sort of crisis in their center-back lineup after trading away Sean Niels to DC United, letting go of Alexander Hack, and transferring Noah Eyl to Bristol City in the EFL Championship.

Earlier this week, the team also welcomed defender Joye Masanka Bungi on loan from RB Leipzig. Head coach Michael Bradley expressed enthusiasm about Bungi, describing him as a young, skilled left-footed defender, and noted that Leipzig holds him in high regard. He mentioned that the team is looking forward to developing him further as part of their setup.

Additionally, Jahquille Marshall-Ratti was acquired in a trade with Montreal earlier this month. In a press conference, he shared his excitement about joining the club, calling it a “great honor” and complimenting the team’s impressive roster and coaching staff.