Dennis Nelich is the latest Red Bull New York academy product to sign a professional contract. One day after midfielder Deven Cadigan signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract, Nelich agreed to a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2027 season on Saturday.
The 17-year-old winger will join the Red Bull New York first team as a Homegrown Player starting in the 2027-28 season. His deal includes options for the 2028-29, 2029-30 and 2030-31 seasons.
Red Bull New York II Head Coach Dominik Wohlert Praises Nelich’s Growth
Red Bull New York II head coach Dominik Wohlert praised Nelich’s mental attributes and believes that his example will inspire academy talents to follow his path.
“We are incredibly proud that Dennis has now signed his first professional contract with the club,” Wohlert said. “He has earned this milestone with great mentality and strong performances. Dennis embodies our style of play and is a great role model for many young players in our academy. We will continue to create an environment that allows him to take the next steps in his career.”
Nelich’s Encouraging Development Places Him Among Standout RBNY II Talents
Through 13 NEXT Pro regular-season appearances in 2026, Nelich has scored two goals and provided three assists. He has supplied 11 key passes across 769 minutes played.
Since joining the Red Bull New York Academy in 2024 from Met Oval Academy, Nelich has earned multiple MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Matchweek honors.
“We are excited to have Dennis with Red Bulls II,” Red Bull New York technical director Tiger Fitzpatrick stated. “It was great to see him play a role down the line en route to our Cup Final win last season. Now, Dennis has contributed countless times this season, and we are excited to see how he develops.”
Nelich, Cadigan Look to Reach Red Bull First Team
The promising winger was part of the Red Bull II squad coached by Michael Bradley that prevailed over Colorado Rapids 2 to win the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final last November.
Nelich made 15 regular-season appearances for Red Bull II last season, playing for a total of 281 minutes. He chipped in two goals and recorded seven key passes.
With Bradley now in charge of the Red Bull New York first team, Nelich could soon make the jump to the senior team and join up with the 38-year-old head coach. Bradley has embraced the Red Bull II to Red Bull New York pipeline, giving youngsters ample opportunities to shine at the MLS level.
Julian Hall, Matthew Dos Santos, Adri Mehmeti and Tanner Rosborough are some of the most notable examples of Red Bull Academy talents who’ve gone on to accomplish great things for the first team. Nelich and Cadigan could be next in line.
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