RBNY Still Have Major Decisions to Make

Red Bull New York are in an interesting situation this off-season as new Head of Sport Julian de Guzman must step in to sign not just players but also fill out key positions on the bench and in the front office. First there is his former position, Sporting Director, a role that typically goes to those who understand the machinations of Major League Soccer. Then there is the bench, where Sandro Schwarz left a hole after two seasons with the club.

The Sporting Director portion is one that may not seem very flashy but is a key element in how the club brings in players. De Guzman joined the club last season in that role, helping the flesh out what has becoming a very effective New York Red Bulls II team. While that may not send the fans into a joyous frenzy, it is a step that the team drastically needed as they now look to replace key players on the field. On top of that, it is the work with the Head of Sport in finding the pieces outside of the club’s reserve system that remains an element the Red Bull has had problems with in recent years.

The signings of Emil Forsberg in 2024 and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in 2025, showed a significant shift in the club’s signing dynamics. Before the club was looking for players looking for their final stage of development, to then move on to Europe. Players like Alejandro Gamarra, Luquinhas, Patryk Klimala and Dante Vanzier fit that strategy. Unfortunately none produced on the field the way the club expected, and all left the club before they could reap the benefits.

Now it seems the club is looking for more veteran leadership outside of their academy than potential. Recent signings have shown that and the progression of players under that veteran leadership is marked. Mohammed Sofo, Daniel Edelman and Cameron Harper have shown just how much of an affect experience can have on growth. With an open Designated Player spot, New York will have to be strategic about who and in what position they search for that leadership.

Many may quickly jump to the need for a striker. However, Choupo-Moting provided the most firepower the club has seen since Bradley Wright-Phillips left the club. The playmaker position may be one that the club is looking to fill but the return of Lewis Morgan and Harper from season-ending injuries could be seen as new faces if they are to be relied on. Defense is also a place that could use a bit more veteran leadership but that has never been a place where fans are excited to see signings.

Then there is the head coaching search. Many, including this site, have speculated that Bradley would be a candidate in the coming years. His appointment to Red Bulls II was an indication of a slow integration with the club’s strategy. That timeline took a significant move forward with the departure of Schwarz. Now, after having successfully won MLS Next Pro, Bradley sits as not just the top candidate, but one that understands de Guzman and the league making him a far more attractive candidate for the position.

Now that the MLS season is over, decisions will be made far sooner than many anticipate. We are merely weeks away from early preseason camps and the club will want the majority of their pieces in play as soon as possible. With this being the season following a massive disappointment in missing the playoffs, de Guzman surely understands the need to be more transparent than previous administrations. We’ll see if that comes to fruition as the European transfer window opens in just two weeks.