Red Bull New York have acquired a key defensive upgrade in the form of 20-year-old center-back Julián Bazan from Liga DIMAYOR side Deportivo Pereira.

The Colombian center-back has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Red Bulls that runs through the 2027-28 season. His transfer to New York is pending the receipt of his P-1 visa.

Bazan has represented Colombia at the under-18 and under-20 levels. He has signed an MLS contract, and he will occupy an under-22 Initiative spot on New York’s roster.

Latest Defensive Reinforcement Joins up at a Crucial Time

The arrival of Bazan will come in handy after the Red Bulls allowed six goals in Saturday’s 6-1 road defeat to Charlotte FC, where Gustav Berggren was sent off in the 53rd minute.

Berggren and Robert Voloder started in central defense in the loss to Charlotte, with preferred first-choice pairing Dylan Nealis (ankle) and Justin Che (hamstring) both missing out due to injury. Veteran defender Tim Parker entered the match as a 56th-minute substitute.

New York’s roster has been reinforced by several youth additions under the leadership of Red Bull head of sport Julian de Guzman and first-year head coach Michael Bradley.

Bazan is the latest promising talent whom Bradley is looking to develop.

De Guzman and Bradley Discuss Bazan’s Arrival

“Julián has earned this opportunity through his commitment and performances,” Bradley said. “He’s a player who is eager to learn, competes the right way, and understands the demands of our group. We’re looking forward to integrating him with the first team and helping him continue to progress.”

Red Bull New York was a long-rumored destination for Bazan. De Guzman believes that Bazan possesses the mental attributes to continue improving in the years to come.

“We’re very pleased to add Julián to our club,” de Guzman stated. “He’s a player we’ve been tracking closely, and we believe his profile, work rate, and potential fit well with what we’re building. This is an important step in his development, and we’re excited to support his continued growth within our environment.”

Depending on the status of his visa, Bazan could potentially be available for selection when the Red Bulls return to action at home against FC Cincinnati on April 4 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

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