Red Bull New York’s Head of Sport Julian de Guzman opened the club’s doors and had a long-form discussion with the media last week, giving insight on the club’s long term plans on and off the field. One of the key takeaways is just how integrated all of the Red Bull Global clubs have become. RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, RB Omiya Ardija, Red Bull Bragantino and Leeds United have all begun to share a sense of identity in their style of football despite the differing leagues they exist in. As the new Head of Sport, de Guzman knows little of a life before that synergy. Faces like Jurgen Klopp and Mario Gomez have become common figures at the stadium and in the training facility.
“I’m just so used to knowing they’re going to come and show up at our facility at some point in time,” said de Guzman on the consistent presence of Red Bull Global heirarchy. “The relationship has been amazing with Red Bull. They show the support. We’re in constant conversation. I have my connection and I pick up the phone to call Mario (Gomez) and Jurgen (Klopp) at any point in time.”
That integration isn’t just for the sporting staff. It also filters down to players. We’ve seen a number of athletes leave for the Bundesliga sister club over the years, including Caden Clark and one of the more successful examples in Tyler Adams. Others like Omer Dimari, Mark Rzatkowski, Emil Forsberg and Carlos Coronel started in Europe but made their way to the first team in New York. That continued this season with younger players looking to build more before either returning or deciding to stay and try out MLS.
“We have Shunya (Sakai) who’s from RB Omiya (Ardija), he’s here with our second team and he’s being able to continue his development under the Red Bull umbrella. Joyeux Bungi as well. He’s come from Leipzig and he’s continuing his development under the Red Bull umbrella. Between those players, they still feel at home. So why not take advantage of that? Why not use that to our strengths? We want to continue to see more of that, whether it’s our first team or second team.”
While that integration is out in the open, one key that underlines all of the Red Bull efforts is a focus on youth player development. 2026 has put that in the forefront as forward Julian Hall has become the breakout teenage star. His success is so meteoric that the youngster has kept veteran player Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who scored 10-plus goals in 2025, on the bench as as a super-substitute option.
The potential of player movement is also something that the club isn’t afraid of happening. teams like Leipzig have seen significant turnover year-over-year but still maintain their position as one of the top teams in German football each season.
“I know everyone wants to come here to the facility and check it out,” said de Guzman when shifting focus to the club’s fantastic new training center. “We do the same. We’re out at Leipzig, Salzburg, we’re in Bragantino, our academy gets to play there. I think that’s always a cool thing for our young kids to experience and learn from.”
Red Bull are now on their World Cup break, having taken a new head coach in Michael Bradley and one of the youngest starting line-ups in the league into a secure playoff spot. After 15 games, the club is sitting in fifth place, three points behind New England Revolution and three points ahead of rivals New York City FC. While growing pains have been felt with some rough results on the road, the club has learned to weather a very busy season and now find themselves poised to restart their momentum in mid-July.
photo from Red Bull New York