"There is an alarming need for established center-backs after the club traded former captain Sean Nealis, parted ways with German veteran Alexander Hack after an unsuccessful stint, and sold up-and-coming Swedish star Noah Eile for a club-record fee for a defender to English Championship side Bristol City. Sources tell amNewYork that Red Bull is still heavily involved in the transfer market for help at the position, adding that a few things are in motion, but nothing is particularly close at this time."
"The only new signing at center-back this winter so far, Robert Voloder, has plenty to prove, too, after his 2025 season was cut to just 18 matches with Sporting Kansas City because of a broken collarbone. Those are the only two natural center-backs on the roster, with first-year head coach Michael Bradley using Dylan Nealis, a natural right-back, in the center of Red Bull's defense throughout the preseason."
New York Red Bulls enter the 2026 MLS season with an incomplete back line and an urgent need for established center-backs. The club traded former captain Sean Nealis, parted ways with Alexander Hack, and sold Noah Eile for a club-record fee for a defender to Bristol City, creating the vacancy. Tim Parker (32) is no longer the steady presence he once was, and Robert Voloder is the only new center-back addition but has recovery questions after a broken collarbone limited him to 18 matches in 2025. Coach Michael Bradley used Dylan Nealis, a natural right-back, at center during preseason while the club pursues further transfers. Outside defensive depth increased with signings of Justin Che and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty.
Read at www.amny.com
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