Ahead of Friday’s Hudson River Derby clash at Yankee Stadium, Red Bull New York have signed promising winger Dennis Nelich to a one-and-a-half-year MLS contract as a homegrown player.
The 18-year-old has appeared in two MLS matches for the Red Bulls, playing the entirety of September 9’s 2-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC and made a brief cameo in last Saturday’s 1-0 victory in Columbus.
As Nelich reached the limit of four short-term agreements, he needed to be signed to a first-team contract to be part of the matchday squad to face rivals New York City FC in the Bronx.
Nelich’s new deal includes options for the 2028-29, 2029-30 and 2030-31 seasons.
Michael Bradley Identifies Nelich as a ‘Dynamic Attacking Player’
Red Bull New York Head Coach Michael Bradley is excited about Nelich’s future. The 5-foot-10 winger combines a tremendous work rate with agility and trickery on the ball.
“Dennis has worked incredibly hard while training with our first team in this last period,” Bradley said on Friday. “His commitment, work ethic, and willingness to learn have been evident since day one. We’re excited to continue working with him, as he is a dynamic attacking player who will add quality and value to our squad.”
In his MLS debut against LAFC at BMO Stadium, Nelich led all players in distance covered at 12.25 km, which was 10th-highest of all MLS players on Matchday 25.
“I’m blessed to make my debut,” Nelich said following the September 9 match. “Obviously, it was a very cool opportunity to do it here in LA. Unfortunate to not get the result we wanted, but I’m just happy that I played the full game and helped the team out.”
After Signing First Professional Contract With Red Bull II in June, Nelich Has Forced His Way Into First-Team Plans
Red Bull New York II Head Coach Dominik Wohlert praised Nelich’s complete performances for the reserve side earlier this season.
“The work rate in both directions, with the ball, against the ball — I think that’s something that is making his performances complete,” Wohlert said in July. “It’s not always just about the goals, but even better when you can score and when you can have a big impact on our performance.”
After Nelich signed his first professional contract with Red Bull II on June 20, Wohlert told him “the real work is going to start” — and the young winger responded to that challenge by forcing his way into the Red Bull New York first team.
Nelich has appeared in 23 MLS NEXT Pro matches in 2026, scoring seven goals and recording six assists.
Red Bull New York Head of Sport Julian de Guzman: ‘Nelich Has a Bright Future Ahead of Him’
It’s clear that the entire Red Bull New York organization has high hopes for Nelich. He’s shown the right attitude and application throughout his journey to the first team and possesses genuine attacking quality.
“We’re delighted to welcome Dennis to the first team. He’s a talented young winger with excellent attacking instincts and a bright future ahead of him,” Red Bull New York Head of Sport Julian de Guzman said. “Dennis has earned this opportunity through his performances with our second team and we’re confident he can continue his development and contribute at the next level.”
Nelich could make his third appearance for the first team against NYCFC. Friday’s contest is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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