New York Red Bulls are close to signing former Everton midfielder Jean Philippe Gbamin according to Fabrizio Romano. The move comes after the need for the club to replace departing midfielder Frankie Amaya. Other rumors are still swirling that the club will add a striker before the end of the summer window.
Gbamin, a 28 year-old Ivorian native, has patrolled the midfield for high level clubs like Mainz in the Bundesliga where he was coached by current New York RedBulls head coach Sandro Schwarz. The familiarity with the two is substantial as he played nearly 64 total games under the current coach before both departed. At that point Gbamin joined Everton where he found it difficult to crack into the first team before venturing to CSKA Moscow and eventually Dunkerque in the second division of France.
The midfielder has significant experience across Europe and in a role that Red Bulls need a significant upgrade. The addition will lessen the stress placed on the likes of Ronald Donkor and Daniel Edelman who have held down the fort since the departure of Amaya and injuries to the likes of Emil Forsberg and Peter Stroud.
