New York Red Bulls were rumored to be in the final stages of signing a new midfielder in Jean-Philippe Gbamin but now that is in flux due to unspecified circumstances. The information from Tom Bogart of CBS Sports reports that the deal is on the verge of collapse.
What we do know is that Gbamin would be joining the Red Bulls as a free agent. The negotiations between him and the team had progressed well and the player did arrive for a physical with the team. Whether the physical is the reason for the hesitation has not been confirmed. However Gbamin has a history of injuries that has seen him miss significant time.
Red Bulls have made it a priority to sign a new midfielder, following the midseason departure of Frankie Amaya to Toluca in Liga MX. Ronald Donkor from the reserve team has slotted into the position well and even made a case for himself to remain the starter moving forward. Still, the club has explored options in order to bring in more depth as Peter Stroud’s injury is expected to keep him out at least until late August.
Gbamin’s issues could still be resolved. At the moment all reports are that the deal is teetering on the brink as the club could shift focus to the striker situation that many have noted is a need for improvement.